SANTA CLARITA HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

According to the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), hit and run incidents have been alarmingly prevalent. For instance, in recent years:
  • In Los Angeles County alone, there were over 28,000 hit and run incidents reported annually.
  • Statewide, hit and run accidents have been reported at various scales, with pedestrians, cyclists, and parked vehicles frequently involved.
Hit and run accidents encompass various scenarios:
  • Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents: Often involve drivers fleeing after hitting individuals on foot or bicycles.
  • Vehicle Collisions: Can range from minor fender benders to major crashes where the at-fault driver chooses to leave the scene.
Several factors contribute to why drivers might flee after an accident:
  • Fear of Consequences: Including legal penalties such as DUI charges or driving without insurance.
  • Unawareness: Some drivers might not realize they have hit someone or something.
  • Panic or Shock: Immediate flight due to the stress of the situation.
Steps to Take if Involved in a Hit and Run:
  1. Ensure Safety: Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible.
  2. Contact Emergency Services: Report the accident to the police immediately.
  3. Gather Information: Note down details like the vehicle's make, model, color, and license plate if possible.
  4. Witnesses: Talk to anyone who may have seen the accident and note their contact information.
  5. Document Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, damage to your vehicle, and any other relevant details.

In California, uninsured motorist coverage can be crucial in hit and run cases where the driver cannot be identified or is uninsured. This type of coverage typically helps cover medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other costs incurred due to the accident.

Additional Advice:
  • Legal Assistance: Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney who specializes in hit and run cases to understand your rights and options.
  • Emotional Support: Dealing with a hit and run can be emotionally taxing; seeking support from friends, family, or counseling services can be beneficial.

When it comes to hit and run accidents (auto or otherwise), the types and severity of injuries can vary widely depending on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the type of impact, whether the victim was a pedestrian, cyclist, or in another vehicle, and the overall circumstances of the collision. Here are some common injuries that individuals may suffer in a hit and run accident:
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  1. Whiplash: This is a common injury in rear-end collisions where the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and backward. It can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
  2. Soft Tissue Injuries: These include strains, sprains, and contusions (bruises) to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They can result from the sudden impact of the collision.
  3. Fractures and Broken Bones: Impact from a collision can cause bones to break or fracture, especially in areas like arms, legs, ribs, and the spine.
  4. Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur if the head strikes an object or if there is a sudden deceleration causing the brain to move within the skull. Concussions are a common form of TBI.
  5. Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in temporary or permanent paralysis, loss of sensation, or other neurological impairments.
  6. Internal Injuries: These can range from internal bleeding and organ damage to injuries affecting the lungs, kidneys, liver, or other vital organs.
  7. Psychological Trauma: Emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are also common following a hit and run accident, especially if the victim witnessed severe injuries or death.
  8. Fatal Injuries: Unfortunately, some hit and run accidents result in fatalities due to the severity of injuries sustained.

The severity of injuries can depend on various factors, including the speed of the vehicles, use of seat belts, airbag deployment, and whether the victim was a pedestrian or cyclist, who are particularly vulnerable due to lack of protection. Immediate medical attention is crucial after any accident to assess and treat injuries, even if they seem minor at first.
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​Robert Mansour is a personal injury lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA and can help advise you regarding your case.  He serves the entire Santa Clarita Valley including Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, and surrounding communities. Call Santa Clarita personal injury attorney Robert Mansour at (661) 414-7100 for a free consultation and evaluation of your auto accident case.  You can also fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.

Injured in a hit and run accident? Call for a free consultation.
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