A hit-and-run accident in Ontario can be extremely difficult to recover from, as you will not have the other driver’s information to hold them accountable for your injuries and losses. If you find yourself in this situation, get help from our Ontario car accident lawyer. Our attorneys will explore all of your options for making a financial recovery in the aftermath of a hit-and-run.
Our personal injury law firm believes everyone deserves justice. We will guide you through your claim to get the results you need for a hit-and-run case, making it easier to get back to the life you love. Contact us today at (909) 316-5154 to start with a free case consultation in Ontario. Because you deserve justice.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents in Ontario
A “hit-and-run” in California is a type of car accident where one of the drivers involved (often, the at-fault party) does not stop at the scene of the crash and fulfill his or her driver responsibilities, as required by state law. These accidents are most frequent at intersections, in parking lots, on residential streets and when they involve pedestrians.
California Vehicle Codes § 20002 and 20003 require drivers of vehicles involved in accidents that result in property damage, injury or death to immediately stop as close to the accident site as is safely practicable.
Once stopped, the driver must:
- Give his or her name, current address, the names and addresses of any injured vehicle passengers, and the vehicle registration number to the other parties involved and to the police.
- Render aid or reasonable assistance to any person injured in the accident, including transporting them to the nearest hospital or making arrangements for transportation (i.e., calling 911 to request an ambulance).
- Exhibit his or her driver’s license or any other available identification to the other driver involved and to a traffic or police officer upon request.
Failing to meet these obligations is a crime in California known as a hit-and-run. The penalties for this crime can include jail time and hefty fines. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, the City of Ontario had 61 hit-and-run accidents in 2022. San Bernardino County as a whole had 1,107.
Choosing the Right Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
Don’t choose just any car accident attorney to represent you in Ontario, but the right hit-and-run accident lawyer for your specific case and needs. Take your time with the process of selecting an attorney to ensure you make the best choice possible.
Key qualifications to look for include:
- Years of experience with other hit-and-run accident cases.
- Expertise in serious automotive accidents.
- A track record of winning settlements and jury verdicts.
- A positive reputation and client testimonials.
- State-of-the-art legal resources.
- Open and frequent communication about your case.
- Affordable fee structure (e.g., contingency fees).
- Insurance negotiation skills and trial experience.
- Local knowledge of Ontario’s courts and laws.
When you schedule a free consultation with a potential hit-and-run accident lawyer, ask certain questions to determine if they are the right fit for your case. Ask about the attorney’s experience and background, legal process, communication standards, costs and fees, and anything else you need to get to know the attorney.
Legal Requirements After a Hit-and-Run in Ontario
If you get involved in a hit-and-run car accident in Ontario, you should always call the police to report the crash. The police should be notified of any accident involving injury, death, or $1,000 or more in property damage, as well as any criminal activity.
You legally must report the crash to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of the accident using the SR-1 Form if the police did not arrive at the scene and submit an accident report for you. Keep a copy of the report to use during your car insurance claim.
Your Legal Rights as a Hit-and-Run Victim
If you get injured or suffer property damage in a hit-and-run collision in Ontario, you have the right to seek financial compensation, even if the at-fault driver remains unidentified. You may be able to recover benefits from your own car insurance company, depending on your coverage.
Optional types of first-party insurance such as uninsured/underinsured motorist and collision coverage could pay for your losses. Call your own car insurer to find out if you have this insurance available after a hit-and-run. We also have uninsured accident lawyers in our Ontario office that can help you too.
Another option could be bringing a claim against a third party, such as the government for a dangerous road defect that contributed to the crash or the manufacturer of a defective car part. Our lawyers can investigate your crash to identify all potential sources of compensation.
How an Ontario Hit-and-Run Lawyer Can Help
Collecting fair financial compensation for a hit-and-run crash in Ontario takes successfully navigating a complicated claims process. Without the other driver being readily available, you cannot carry out a standard insurance claim. The best way to protect your rights in this situation is to hire an experienced automobile accident attorney.
An attorney can investigate the hit-and-run accident to gather evidence and potentially help the police identify the at-fault driver through interviewing witnesses and gathering information. Your attorney can deal with insurance companies for you to negotiate a fair settlement. A lawyer knows how to build a strong legal case and maximize compensation potential on your behalf.
Types of Compensation Available
You could be eligible for many different types of financial compensation as a hit-and-run accident victim in Ontario. Your lawyer can help you seek a fair recovery for your medical expenses, including surgeries, therapies and rehabilitation costs.
You may also receive reimbursement for any lost wages and future capacity to earn caused by long-term injuries. Other damages can include property repairs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, punitive damages, and wrongful death damages (after a fatal hit-and-run).
Contact a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
At Jacoby & Meyers, we will work for you. As your hit-and-run car accident lawyers in Ontario, California, we can help you handle your property damage, get medical treatments and protect your legal rights. We have been representing clients since 1972 and have a 99 percent success rate. Contact us now to begin with a free, no-obligation case evaluation in Ontario.
We are right where you need us. We are your local lawyers, with an office located at 3200 E Guasti Rd. #100, Ontario, CA 91761. Call this office directly at (909) 316-5154 24/7 for a free case review.