What Should I Do After a Hit-And-Run Accident in Chula Vista?
David Muñoz | February 26, 2024 | Car Accidents
In 2021 alone, there were 71 hit-and-run crashes in Chula Vista that left individuals hurt or killed. Any car accident can be a traumatic experience, but one in which the at-fault driver speeds away can feel particularly harrowing. In this position, your decisions can have an impact on whether you are able to recover any compensation from the at-fault driver.
For drivers in Chula Vista, it is essential to know what to do in the event of a hit-and-run accident.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
One of the first steps you should take following a hit-and-run car accident in Chula Vista is to call for assistance from first responders. If you think you may have been injured in any way, call 911 and report your symptoms or injuries to the dispatcher. It is a good idea to request emergency medical assistance if you are not sure how severely you have been hurt.
Once law enforcement arrives on the scene, relay to them as many facts and details about the accident as you remember. Try to recall what the at-fault driver looked like or which vehicle they were driving as best as you can.
Even a partial license plate number and vehicle make or color can give law enforcement some clues to try to track down the responsible party. If you remember the direction in which the at-fault driver fled, relay this to the officer as well.
The more details you can provide and the quicker you report them, the greater the chance that law enforcement officers can locate the person who committed the hit-and-run. Reporting the crash quickly also serves to get you medical care in a timely manner and preserve your memory of the event while it is fresh in your mind.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
After receiving medical attention, you will want to make sure to abide by any follow-up care instructions to prevent complications from any back, head, or other injuries you have sustained. Not only can doing so safeguard your health, but it can also protect your potential claim against the other driver.
As long as the hit-and-run driver remains unidentified, you may need to rely on your own car insurance and health insurance to help you meet your needs. Your attorney may also be able to provide you with resources to help offset any out-of-pocket expenses you may face.
Consult a Chula Vista Car Accident Lawyer
Once you have reported your hit-and-run and have gotten medical assistance to address any injuries you sustained, your next call should be to a qualified attorney.
You generally have two years from the date of a car accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party in California. This time period may be stalled as long as the hit-and-run driver’s identity remains unknown, but this does not mean you can delay getting legal assistance. Not taking reasonable steps to discover who the at-fault driver is can negatively impact your legal rights.
Moreover, your attorney’s ability to gather evidence and develop your claim may be impaired the longer you wait to retain one. Your attorney can also help you fulfill your legal obligations, including reporting the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if necessary.
Recovering From Your Hit-And-Run Accident
Your ability to recover physically and financially following a hit-and-run accident depends in part on taking prompt and decisive action after the crash. Immediately reporting the accident and seeking medical care can help law enforcement successfully track down the other driver and ensure any injuries you receive are promptly treated.
Keep in mind that contacting an experienced Chula Vista car accident lawyer is also vital. Your lawyer can help you protect your legal rights and work to secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact the Chula Vista Car Accident Law Firm of Mission Personal Injury Lawyers Today To Get More Information
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.
We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032
We also serve the state of Texas. Contact our personal injury law office in El Paso for legal assistance today.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000
