Woodland Hills- a peaceful, beautiful neighborhood we all know and love was the site of a bizarre hit and run driving episode on August 14 afternoon.

Fox News reports that the LAPD responded to two separate crash scenes – one near Leonora Drive and Ponce Avenue and a second location near Shoup Place and Ventura Boulevard. The driver also hit popular Woodland Hills restaurant Leo and Lily’s before ultimately being arrested. At least one person was injured and multiple properties damaged.

While this is more extreme than most, Woodland Hills hit and run accidents happen all the time and leave victims wondering what they can do. The winning team at Walch Law is here to help you every step of the way. Call now to learn more.

How Hit-and-Run Lawsuits Work in Woodland Hills

Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident is a uniquely distressing experience. In addition to the shock and potential injuries, you are left with the profound uncertainty of who is responsible. In a busy area like Woodland Hills, these incidents are unfortunately common, leaving victims to wonder how they can possibly seek justice and compensation.

Navigating a hit-and-run claim requires a different approach than a standard car accident case. Understanding how these lawsuits work, the crucial role of your own insurance, and the steps to take can empower you to protect your rights. This guide explains the process for pursuing a hit-and-run lawsuit in Woodland Hills and how you can secure the compensation you need to recover.

What Legally Defines a Hit-and-Run?

In California, a “hit-and-run” is a criminal offense defined under the Vehicle Code. It occurs when a driver involved in an accident that causes property damage or injury to another person fails to stop, provide identification, and render reasonable assistance to anyone injured. It doesn’t matter who was at fault for the accident; the legal duty to stop applies to every driver involved.

Common examples of hit-and-run accidents include:

• A driver rear-ending your vehicle on the 101 Freeway and speeding away.
• A car striking a pedestrian or cyclist in a crosswalk on Ventura Boulevard and failing to stop.
• A vehicle sideswiping your parked car at the Westfield Topanga mall and leaving without a note.

Whether the incident results in a minor scratch or a catastrophic injury, leaving the scene is illegal. The legal process that follows, however, depends heavily on whether the at-fault driver is ever identified.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Woodland Hills Hit-and-Run

The actions you take in the minutes and hours after a hit-and-run are critical for both your safety and your future legal claim. While it may be difficult in the moment, try to focus on these steps:

1. Prioritize Safety: Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
2. Document Everything You Can Remember: The driver is gone, but details are your most valuable asset. Write down or record a voice memo of everything you can recall about the other vehicle:
3. • Make, model, and color.
   • License plate number (even a partial one is helpful).
   • Any distinguishing features like bumper stickers, window decals, or visible damage.
   • A description of the driver.
3. Gather Scene Evidence: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, your vehicle’s damage, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Note the exact location, time of day, and weather conditions.
4. Look for Witnesses: Ask anyone nearby if they saw what happened. Get their names and contact information. They may have seen the license plate or can provide a description that helps identify the driver.
5. Check for Cameras: Look for any potential surveillance cameras from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or residential doorbell cameras that may have captured the incident.
6. File a Police Report: A police report is essential. It creates an official record of the incident, which is necessary for any insurance claim or legal action.

Do not attempt to chase the fleeing driver. This is dangerous and can put you at further risk. Your priority is to stay safe and preserve as much information as possible.

The Two Paths of a Hit-and-Run Lawsuit

A hit-and-run case in Woodland Hills will follow one of two legal paths, depending entirely on whether the at-fault driver is identified.

Path 1: The At-Fault Driver Is Found

If police, your attorney, or witnesses successfully identify the driver, your case proceeds much like a standard personal injury lawsuit. You would file a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy.

In this scenario, your attorney would work to prove the other driver’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries. Because the driver fled the scene, it often creates a strong presumption of fault, making it easier to establish liability. Fleeing the scene can also be used as evidence of egregious conduct, potentially opening the door for punitive damages in addition to standard compensation.

Path 2: The At-Fault Driver Is Never Found

This is the more common scenario in hit-and-run cases. If the driver remains a “phantom,” you cannot sue them directly. So, where does your compensation come from? The answer lies in your own auto insurance policy, specifically your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage.

The Critical Role of Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

In California, insurance companies are required to offer Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. While you can decline it in writing, it is highly recommended to carry this protection. UM coverage is designed for situations just like a hit-and-run.

Here’s how it works:

• Your Insurer Steps In: When the at-fault driver is unidentified, your UM coverage allows you to make a claim with your own insurance company. Your insurer effectively steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver’s insurance.
• Proving Your Case: You still have to prove your case. You must demonstrate that an unknown driver was negligent, that their negligence caused the accident, and the extent of your damages.
• The “Adversarial” Relationship: It is important to remember that even though you are dealing with your own insurance company, the relationship becomes adversarial. Your insurer’s goal is to pay out as little as possible. They will scrutinize your claim, question your injuries, and may offer a low settlement.

This is why having an experienced Woodland Hills hit-and-run attorney is so important. Your lawyer at Walch Law will handle all communications with your insurer, build a strong evidence-based claim, and negotiate for a fair settlement, just as they would with an opposing insurance company.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Whether you file a claim against the identified at-fault driver or your own UM policy, you can pursue compensation for a wide range of damages. These damages are intended to make you “whole” again by covering both your economic and non-economic losses.

Economic Damages

These are the tangible, calculable financial losses you have incurred:

• Medical Expenses: Including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and future medical care.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lost while unable to work.
• Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or limit your ability to earn in the future.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other damaged personal property.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages compensate for the intangible, personal suffering caused by the accident:

• Pain and Suffering: For the physical pain and emotional distress you have experienced.
• Emotional Anguish: Including anxiety, depression, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in hobbies and activities you once enjoyed.

An attorney can help you accurately calculate the full value of your claim, ensuring that non-economic damages are properly valued, as these often constitute a significant portion of a settlement.

Why You Need an Experienced Woodland Hills Attorney

Navigating a hit-and-run lawsuit is complex and presents unique challenges. An experienced Woodland Hills hit and run attorney at Walch Law can be your greatest asset in this process.

• Investigation: Attorneys have resources to conduct thorough investigations. They can work with private investigators to locate the fleeing driver, secure surveillance footage, and interview witnesses.
• Evidence Building: Your lawyer will compile all necessary evidence, from police reports and medical records to expert testimony, to build a compelling claim.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: Whether it’s the at-fault driver’s insurer or your own, your attorney will manage all communications, protecting you from adjusters’ tactics designed to minimize your claim.
• Maximizing Compensation: With a deep understanding of how to value claims, your lawyer will fight to ensure you receive a settlement that covers all your present and future needs.
• Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Take Action to Protect Your Rights- Call Walch Law NOW

A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling powerless, but you have legal options. By taking the right steps immediately after the incident and seeking guidance from a knowledgeable attorney, you can hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the resources needed for your recovery. The moments after a crash are critical, and acting quickly to preserve evidence and understand your rights is the first step toward justice.

If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run in Woodland Hills, do not wait. California’s statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing your claim. Contact a winning Woodland Hills hit and run lawyer at Walch Law today to discuss your case and learn how to move forward. 1-844-999-5342