{"id":5978,"date":"2022-02-01T12:35:49","date_gmt":"2022-02-01T20:35:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.costulessdirect.com\/?p=5978"},"modified":"2022-12-21T12:01:28","modified_gmt":"2022-12-21T12:01:28","slug":"what-is-a-hit-and-run-in-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.costulessdirect.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hit-and-run-in-california\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Hit and Run in California?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
A hit-and-run collision is just what it sounds like. It\u2019s when another driver hits your vehicle and doesn\u2019t stop. In some cases, the driver might initially stop but then drive away before exchanging identification and car insurance<\/a> information or waiting for the police to show up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reasons for not stopping and accepting responsibility can include the guilty party being under the influence, not being licensed or insured, or having arrest warrants on their record. Whatever the reason, you must respond quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n First, try not to panic. Then be as proactive as possible to get yourself and passengers, if any, out of immediate danger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A car is only metal, glass, plastic, and fabric. It can be repaired or replaced. Drivers and passengers are a bit less replaceable. That\u2019s why your first job is to see that everyone is safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Start by making sure your vehicle isn\u2019t hit again. Put your flashers on to warn other drivers of your presence, especially at night. If you can still drive your car, get it safely to the shoulder of the road. If there\u2019s a quieter and potentially safer side road nearby, then move your vehicle there. But stay as close as possible to the scene of the collision so it won\u2019t confuse the police in recreating what happened. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Are your passengers alright? Can they leave the vehicle? Would it be safe for them to do so? Use your good judgment here. If it\u2019s a congested roadway with very little room to get pedestrians far removed from traffic, it might be safer to stay in the vehicle. And don\u2019t move an injured party unless it\u2019s absolutely necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Always have at least one fully charged phone with you. If the damage is minor, no one is hurt, and you either know your location well or have time to do a little Internet research, call the non-emergency number for the local police authority. If you don\u2019t know the jurisdiction, contact the California Highway Patrol<\/a>. Put these numbers in your phone so you have them handy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If, however, someone is hurt, or other circumstances make your condition more perilous, call 911. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is important. Your insurer might cover your claim without a police report in some accident situations, but it\u2019s mandatory in California in the case of a collision with a hit-and-run driver. Even if it wasn\u2019t, it\u2019s the smart thing to do since it\u2019s your proof of what actually happened. That makes it easier and faster, with fewer questions, when you file your insurance claim. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Should I Do If I Get Hit by a Hit-and-Run Driver in California? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Call for Help <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
File a Police Report <\/h2>\n\n\n\n