Hit and Run Accidents in Sacramento

Every year, hundreds of drivers involved in Sacramento car accidents leave the scene improperly. Sometimes, this involves driving away before exchanging insurance information with other drivers. Other times, it means making a getaway before the police can arrive on the scene.

Either way, it’s considered a hit and run.

According to California state crash data, 663 hit and run car accidents were reported in Sacramento in 2023. As a direct result of these collisions, 824 people were injured, and 10 lost their lives.

That’s one hit and run accident in Sacramento every 13.2 hours.

If you’ve been injured in a hit and run car accident in Sacramento, it’s important to enlist an advocate to help you seek compensation for your resulting medical bills, distress, disability, and property damage. Since the at-fault driver fled the scene, the road to recovery just got a little bit more challenging. The Sacramento accident attorneys at Singleton Schreiber can help to make it easier for you.

When is a Car Accident a Hit and Run? 

California Vehicle Code section 20002(a) requires all motorists involved in an accident resulting only in property damage to stop the vehicle at the nearest location that will not impede traffic or otherwise jeopardize the safety of other motorists. 

California Vehicle Code section 20001(a) requires all motorists involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person to immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.

Why Would a Driver Flee the Scene of an Accident?

There are a lot of reasons why a driver might leave the scene of an accident without stopping.

• The driver is distracted and drunk and doesn’t realize they’ve been involved in a collision
• The driver has warrants out for their arrest or is being pursued by the police
• The driver caused the accident and is afraid of the consequences

The only reason a person can leave the scene of an accident without exchanging information or waiting for the police to arrive is to seek emergency medical care for themselves or another victim.

How Can I Get Compensation After a Hit and Run Car Accident in Sacramento?

California follows a fault-based system for car insurance. So, what happens when the driver who caused your car accident flees the scene? How can you get compensation if the at-fault driver can’t be found?

Your first option involves filing a claim with your own car insurance company for Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) if you opted to add this coverage to your auto insurance policy.  Minimum UM coverage will pay for up to $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident in bodily injury damages for things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. More standard coverage increases benefits to $30,000 and $60,000, respectively.

Your second option involves seeking compensation from another liable party. Under California law, liability for a car accident is shared by everyone who contributes to it. If your attorney determines that someone other than the hit and run driver caused the accident, you’ll have the right to file a claim against them for a portion of your monetary damages.

The best thing you can do after a hit and run accident in Sacramento is to call Singleton Schreiber. Our Sacramento car accident lawyers will promptly investigate your case, work with private investigators and experts to find the hit and run driver, and help you exhaust every option for getting the compensation you need to get back on your feet.

Contact our Sacramento law office today to learn more. Your first consultation is free.