Hit-and-Run Accidents in Pasadena and Altadena: Immediate Steps That Help Identify the Driver
Hit-and-run accidents take an already stressful situation and make it dramatically worse. Any accident can leave you financially strapped and injured, but when you don’t even know who hit you, your options are limited. Under California law, drivers involved in a crash must stop, provide information, and render aid when needed. While you may not currently know who struck you, there are ways to find out—and that’s one reason you should reach out to a Pasadena car accident attorney.
In Pasadena and Altadena, it’s important to take immediate action after you’re hit by a driver who flees the scene. At DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, LLP, we help victims like you seek justice after collisions. Attorney Ernest Algorri has spent his career solely representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases, giving him the knowledge and experience needed to handle your case. Call our car accident law firm in California at 855-WINNING (946-6464) to schedule a consultation now.
Where Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen?
Hit-and-run accidents can happen anywhere, but they are very common in high-traffic areas where drivers think they can slip back into the flow of traffic without the other driver spotting them. In this region, you may see hit-and-run collisions on streets like Colorado Boulevard, Lake Avenue, and Lincoln Avenue.
However, you can also see these accidents in more remote, poorly lit areas. In these regions, drivers may be less concerned about surveillance cameras and witnesses who can identify them to the police.
These environments make it easier for drivers to escape, but they also give you opportunities to collect important evidence.
How Witnesses and Nearby Footage Can Make or Break Your Case
Witnesses are an incredibly important resource in hit-and-run collisions. These investigations are often resolved with the help of a witness who happens to catch part of a license plate number or start recording in time to identify the fleeing driver. If anyone stops to provide assistance at the scene, get their contact information before leaving. Your car accident attorney will need to talk to them fairly quickly while their memories are fresh.
Nowadays, there are many sources of video footage that can all be used to solve hit-and-run cases. Red light cameras, doorbell cameras, and business surveillance systems may record the accident itself or show the fleeing driver after the collision. Even if they only get a partial license plate number, that can be enough to find the driver—especially if you can remember the make, model, and color of the vehicle. Note that footage may be overwritten fairly quickly, so it’s important to reach out to nearby businesses and law enforcement agencies promptly.
Reporting the Crash and Why It Matters
Your car accident lawyer will ask you during your very first meeting for a copy of your police report. This may involve contacting the Pasadena Police Department or the Altadena Patrol Station and following up until they give you a copy of the police report. Make sure you provide any information you have about the other driver, even if it’s just the color of the vehicle, any bumper stickers you saw, the make, or the model.
Note that you may also have to report the collision to the DMV if you were injured or suffered significant property damage. Reporting the crash early and having that documentation on hand can strengthen your case.
How Law Enforcement Identifies Hit-and-Run Drivers
Even when drivers flee, law enforcement agencies have a number of tools at their disposal to track them down. Traffic camera footage, debris left at the scene, witness statements, and reports from community members can all help them track down drivers. Police departments often put out bulletins when there’s a hit-and-run. They provide the information they have about the vehicle and ask for anyone with information to come forward.
Insurance Options
A car accident lawyer can help you seek compensation from the at-fault party if they are eventually tracked down. But even if they aren’t found, you do have options. Uninsured motorist coverage kicks in when the other driver doesn’t have insurance or isn’t known. However, you should expect your attorney to advocate for you, as your insurance company may push back on fair compensation.
Discuss Your Options With Our Car Accident Law Firm in Pasadena
Our team is ready to discuss your next steps with you. We know how frightening a hit-and-run can be, and we’re committed to helping you pursue compensation. Reach out online or call us at 855-WINNING (946-6464) to get started.
Mark Algorri has successfully represented individuals and their families in matters involving serious and catastrophic injuries, insurance claims denials, and wrongful deaths, achieving a success rate of 99 percent for our clients.
