Getting involved in a hit-and-run accident in Sacramento can be scary and confusing. You may not know where to seek financial compensation or damages for your injuries, medical bills and property repairs. Even if the other driver is not identified, however, you may still be eligible for compensation from one or more parties.
Our Sacramento hit-and-run accident attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers, provide personalized legal representation in car accident cases in Sacramento and throughout California. We can help you get proper medical treatment, handle your property damage and seek justice through all available legal remedies. Contact us for a free consultation with a hit-and-run attorney near you.
$2B+ Recovered For Our Clients
Hit-and-Run Drivers Think They Can Escape Justice… We Don’t Let Them!
We only get paid when you win your Sacramento hit-and-run case.
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers
- Our Sacramento car accident lawyers have extensive experience with complex car accident claims, including hit-and-runs. Our law firm has been serving injured Californians and their families since 1972. We are experts in serious automotive accidents.
- We’re right where you need us. Our Sacramento office is located at 1215 K St. 17th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814. As local attorneys, we have deep knowledge of Sacramento’s traffic patterns and crash risks. We can use this to navigate your case with a tailored legal strategy.
- No law firm has won as much for its clients for as long as Jacoby & Meyers. We have achieved over $2 billion in settlements for California clients. This includes many six-figure and seven-figure car accident case results.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents in Sacramento
A hit-and-run is a crime in Sacramento. Under California Vehicle Code § 20002, it is a misdemeanor for a driver involved in an accident to flee the scene without stopping, rendering aid and exchanging information. This law lists certain legal responsibilities all drivers have after car accidents. Failing to fulfill them can result in criminal charges.
Penalties for a Hit-and-Run in Sacramento
A hit-and-run conviction in Sacramento can lead to a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in county jail. The charges and penalties can be increased if the hit-and-run driver caused an accident involving bodily injuries or deaths. A hit-and-run is also a civil infraction or tort. This gives victims the right to seek financial compensation from the hit-and-run driver for damages suffered.
Common Types of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Sacramento
A hit-and-run accident can take place anywhere, at any time. However, they tend to happen more often at night, when there is a higher chance of drunk driving. Hit-and-runs can occur on major freeways, the Golden State Highway, city roads, residential neighborhoods and at intersections. These collisions can involve two motor vehicles or bicyclists and pedestrians.
Statistics on Hit-and-Run Accidents in Sacramento County
Based on data provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety, 467 hit-and-run accidents resulting in injury or death were reported in Sacramento County in 2022 (the most recent year data is available). This was a 7.6 percent increase from 433 hit-and-runs in 2021.
Why You Need a Sacramento Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
Navigating a hit-and-run accident in Sacramento can be difficult, especially if you suffered serious injuries that demand your attention. Hiring a lawyer can take the burden of the legal process off your shoulders. Your lawyer can take over communications with an insurance company, preventing the insurer from treating you unfairly.
Investigating Your Hit-and-Run Case
Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the hit-and-run crash to try to identify the at-fault driver. Then, your lawyer will work to maximize your financial recovery using all available sources of compensation. This may include your own car insurance provider, the at-fault driver or a third party, such as a company, employer, vehicle manufacturer or the government.
Navigating the Sacramento County Court System
Although most car accident cases in Sacramento reach settlements, it is also important to have the power to take your case to court, if necessary. An attorney with trial experience will be able to litigate your hit-and-run case in court to deliver justice and maximum compensation. Your attorney will effectively navigate the Sacramento County court system while you focus on your recovery.
Types of Compensation Available in Hit-and-Run Cases
A hit-and-run accident case in Sacramento can provide you with a financial recovery that makes it possible for you to pay for related expenses and move forward. You may be eligible for the following damages:
- Medical bills and health care (past and future)
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Lost capacity to earn due to a disability
- Property damage repairs or the replacement of a totaled vehicle
- Out-of-pocket costs, such as rental car reimbursement
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
Since fleeing the scene of a car accident is a crime, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. This is an additional award issued to penalize a defendant for malicious or grossly negligent acts of wrongdoing.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Sacramento
If you get into a car accident and the other driver leaves the scene without stopping, pull over immediately to assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 to report the crash to the Sacramento Police Department and request paramedics, if necessary. Tell the police that the other driver did not stop at the scene.
Write down as much as you can remember about the accident, such as the color or model of the other driver’s car, the direction he or she was traveling, a description of the driver, and partial license plate numbers. These details can help the police catch the perpetrator. Document evidence while at the scene if you can, such as photographs of the damage to your property and the surrounding roadway.
Report the hit-and-run crash to your own car insurance provider. You may have uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance that pays for the damage. Before you accept an insurance settlement, contact a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can review your case and let you know if you have other options for making a financial recovery.
Contact Our Sacramento Hit-and-Run Accident Legal Team
If you were recently involved in a hit-and-run accident in Sacramento or the surrounding area, the experienced legal team at Jacoby & Meyers can help you make a physical, emotional and financial recovery. We can handle not only the legal side of things to get you the justice you deserve, but also the personal side to help you get back to the life you love.
We have a 99 percent success rate and don’t charge any fees unless we win. Call our local law office at (916) 269-8918 or contact us online to request your free case review. We have 24/7 availability for urgent cases.
Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – Sacramento
1215 K St 17th floor
Sacramento, CA 95814