Attorney Alan Fassonaki and the team at Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C. secured a $30,000 Uninsured Motorist (UM) settlement for a client injured in a violent hit-and-run intersection collision caused by an unidentified driver in Van Nuys, California.

Facts of the Case

Our client was driving her Car and as she proceeded through an intersection, an unidentified vehicle suddenly entered from her left and violently struck the front driver's side of her car.

The impact was substantial. Following the collision, the other vehicle spun in a full circle within the intersection. Rather than stopping, the unidentified driver fled the scene at a high rate of speed and could not be identified. So, our firm pursued compensation through our client's Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage.

Legal Strategy: Establishing Liability in a Hit-and-Run Collision

Hit-and-run accidents can create unique challenges for injured victims because the responsible driver may never be identified or located. However, an unidentified driver's decision to flee does not necessarily prevent an injured person from recovering compensation. When applicable, Uninsured Motorist coverage may provide an important source of recovery.

Our legal strategy focused on establishing that the unidentified driver caused the collision by entering the intersection without yielding, failing to maintain a proper lookout, operating the vehicle at an unsafe speed, and fleeing immediately after the crash.

The adverse driver's conduct implicated several provisions of the California Vehicle Code, including:

• California Vehicle Code § 21800, which establishes right-of-way and yielding requirements at intersections under applicable circumstances.
• California Vehicle Code § 20002, which requires a driver involved in an accident resulting in property damage to stop and comply with statutory requirements rather than simply leaving the scene.
• California Vehicle Code § 22350, California's Basic Speed Law, which prohibits driving at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent considering existing conditions.
• California Vehicle Code § 23103, which prohibits reckless driving involving willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.

The circumstances supported our position that our client was lawfully proceeding through the intersection when the unidentified vehicle suddenly entered from her left and struck the driver's side of her SUV. Our client had little opportunity to anticipate or avoid the collision.

The severity of the impact was also significant to our liability analysis. The force was substantial enough that the adverse vehicle spun completely around following the collision, supporting the claim that the unidentified driver was operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner under the circumstances.

Rather than remaining at the scene after the crash, the adverse driver fled. Our liability position therefore focused not only on the driver's actions leading to the collision but also on the driver's failure to stop following the impact.

Because the responsible motorist remained unidentified, pursuing a traditional bodily injury claim directly against that driver's liability insurance was not available. Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C. instead pursued our client's own Uninsured Motorist benefits, seeking compensation under the coverage available for injuries caused by an unidentified hit-and-run driver.

Disclaimer: This image is a stock photo obtained from Envato Elements and does not depict the actual scene, individuals, or events described.

Settlement Terms

The case resolved for a total $30,000 Uninsured Motorist (UM) settlement.

The recovery provided compensation through our client's UM coverage after the at-fault hit-and-run driver fled the scene and remained unidentified.

Results That Matter: Van Nuys Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers

Hit-and-run collisions can leave injured victims facing an especially difficult situation. In addition to dealing with the physical and emotional effects of a sudden crash, victims may discover that there is no identified at-fault driver's insurance company from which to seek compensation.

That does not always mean there is no avenue for financial recovery.

Uninsured Motorist coverage can be particularly important when a collision is caused by an unidentified hit-and-run driver. Depending on the policy and circumstances of the accident, UM coverage may provide compensation for covered injuries and damages even when the responsible motorist cannot be identified.

At Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., we investigate hit-and-run accidents, analyze available insurance policies, gather evidence concerning liability, and pursue all applicable sources of compensation on behalf of our clients.

If you were injured by a hit-and-run or uninsured driver in California, the experienced attorneys at Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C. can evaluate your case, review your insurance coverage, and fight to recover the compensation available under California law. Contact our office today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run and Uninsured Motorist Accidents in California

Can I recover compensation if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

Potentially, yes. If the at-fault driver cannot be identified after a hit-and-run collision, Uninsured Motorist coverage under your own automobile insurance policy may provide a source of compensation, depending on the policy and circumstances.

What is Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage?

Uninsured Motorist coverage is automobile insurance designed to provide protection when an insured person is injured by a driver who does not have applicable liability insurance. Under certain circumstances, it may also apply when the responsible driver is an unidentified hit-and-run motorist.

What should I do after a hit-and-run accident?

If possible, remain at the scene, contact law enforcement, obtain medical attention when necessary, photograph the vehicles and surrounding area, identify potential witnesses, and promptly report the collision to your insurance company. Any information about the fleeing vehicle may also be important to the investigation.

Does a hit-and-run driver have a legal duty to stop in California?

Yes. California law imposes duties on drivers involved in collisions to stop and take specified actions depending on whether the accident involves property damage, injury, or death. Leaving an accident scene without complying with those requirements can violate California law.

How do you prove another driver caused an accident if that driver was never identified?

Evidence may include the injured driver's account of the collision, vehicle damage, photographs, surveillance or dash-camera footage, witness statements, police reports, physical evidence from the scene, and other information showing how the collision occurred.

Can my own insurance company dispute my Uninsured Motorist claim?

Yes. Even though UM benefits are pursued through your own policy, disputes may still arise regarding liability, causation, injuries, damages, coverage, or the value of the claim. An attorney can gather supporting evidence and negotiate with the insurer on the injured person's behalf.

Why should I hire a lawyer after a hit-and-run collision?

Hit-and-run cases can involve additional insurance and evidentiary issues because the responsible driver may never be located. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the collision, document liability, determine whether UM or other coverage is available, and pursue the compensation provided under the applicable insurance policy.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and must be evaluated based on its specific facts, applicable law, and available insurance coverage.