San Jose Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

Millions Recovered for Our Clients

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident in San Jose will always be a frustration and can bring about significant legal complications when trying to pinpoint liability. Matters will be all the more complex during a hit-and-run accident, in which the liable party leaves the scene before ample identification and insurance information can be exchanged with other motorists.

In order to hold the hit-and-run driver accountable, or seek compensation through alternative methods, the assistance of our lawyers from Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys may be necessary.

Learn about your legal options after a hit-and-run during a free consultation with our team.

Helping the Police After a Hit-and-Run

California makes it strictly illegal to flee the scene of a car accident without first exchanging necessary information. The penalties are harsh, including jail time and fines paid to the state. This assumes that the hit-and-run driver can be caught and identified, though. When you are in a hit-and-run accident, you should call the police immediately to get them on the trail of the criminal driver.

Try to tell the police this information, if you know it:

• Color, make, model, and year of the hit-and-run vehicle
• Which direction the hit-and-run vehicle fled
• Which direction the hit-and-run vehicle originated
• What part of the hit-and-run vehicle hit your own vehicle
• Paint color of your car, which might be on the hit-and-run vehicle
• Any description of the hit-and-run driver you can honestly provide

With some luck, the police will be able to track down and arrest the hit-and-run driver. In such a situation, you can file your car accident claim as you would as if the driver had never committed the crime. If they fled because they are uninsured – roughly 10% of all motorists do not have proper insurance – you might want to consider filing a claim directly against them.

Do not assume they will not be able to afford to repay you. Talk to our San Jose hit and run accident attorneys first by calling (800) 900-0863 and we can help you make that decision.

When the Hit-and-Run Driver is Not Found

There is an unfortunately high chance that a hit-and-run driver will flee the scene and ultimately escape without accepting any responsibility. If this happens to you, do not be disheartened. You may still be able to gain ample coverage for your damages through your own insurance company.

With your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy, your insurance company should provide damages up to a set cap. If they do not, we can help you hold your insurer accountable. If you do not have UM/UIM coverage, we highly suggest you think about adding it to your policy now.

Experienced Hit and Run Attorneys

If you or a loved one has recently been the victim of hit-and-run, you will want our knowledgeable hit and run victim attorneys on your side to help sort through the details. Do not hesitate to contact our experienced personal injury lawyer in San Jose at Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys. We have the experience and legal know-how needed to pursue proper compensation, no matter the complexity of the situation.

Call us today for a free consultation at (800) 900-0863 to start your case.