Car Accidents
A report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 36,500 people were killed and 4.5 million were injured in car accidents in the United States in 2019. While experiencing a car accident in normal circumstances is emotionally and physically distressing, dealing with a hit-and-run can make things even more difficult. Unfortunately, ValuePenguin’s hit-and-run statistics report that 10.1% of deadly crashes in California between 2012 and 2016 involved hit-and-runs. Here’s what to expect for a hit-and-run compensation amount when consulting with a personal injury lawyer in Newport Beach, CA, might be crucial.
Average Compensation for Car Accidents
Receiving compensation for hit-and-run accidents can be difficult. As an at-fault state, California deems the driver responsible for causing the crash and pays for any damages or bodily harm. Unfortunately, some people flee the scene, all for various reasons, but around one in eight drivers in the U.S. are not insured. This is where the expertise of a personal injury lawyer near me in Newport Beach, CA, or a personal injury law firm in Newport Beach, CA, becomes invaluable.
After a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to gather as much information as possible about the other driver, such as their vehicle make and model, license plate, appearance, and any witnesses who may have viewed the crash. If the victim can identify the other driver, they can make a claim against the other driver’s liability insurance with the help of the best personal injury lawyer in Newport Beach, CA.
For those who are unable to identify the other driver, they cannot make a liability claim or property damage claim. They can use their uninsured motorist coverage (UM) to cover for bodily injury after a hit-and-run accident, but not for property damage. MedPay will also cover injuries. A good personal injury lawyer in Newport Beach, CA, can guide victims through this process, ensuring they utilize all available resources for compensation.
According to the Insurance Information Institute’s 2020 data on the average car accident settlement, we can determine that the average settlement for hit-and-run car accident injuries would be similar at around $20,235. A settlement will only come if they can get coverage from MedPay or UM. Unfortunately, MedPay and UM are premium insurance costs, and not every driver opts for coverage. This is where consulting a personal injury lawyer attorney in Newport Beach, CA, becomes critical.
Crash Circumstances and Injury Severity
It can be difficult to look at averages, as each case drastically differs depending on the severity of injuries and damages. For instance, the average pedestrian injury settlement is likely higher as pedestrians are more vulnerable if hit by a vehicle. In a survey from Martindale-Nolo, they found the average settlement to be $23,900. But of those who answered the survey, only 23% received 20,000 or more.
The NHTSA reports that the average medical costs, regardless of injury severity, was $6,822, and the average work loss was $23,238 per case. Of those cases, 75% received medical compensation from auto insurance. They also report that the average cost per claim in 2018 for bodily injury under personal liability was $13,008. For uninsured motorists, the average cost per claim was $11,344.
Can I Sue a Hit-and-Run Driver?
If the police can determine and find the driver who fled the scene, the victim can file a lawsuit. California’s Vehicle Code will take care of any criminal proceedings for failing to provide their information and help anyone injured in the accident. A victim may sue them for damages, including medical costs, loss of income, emotional distress, and much more. A lawyer for personal injury in Newport Beach, CA, can provide the legal support needed in these cases.
Determining an individual’s deserved hit-and-run compensation amount depends on many factors, including the severity of injuries and the circumstances of the accident. Avrek Law Firm, a leading personal injury law firm in Newport Beach, CA, provides free consultations to give injured individuals more details and advice about their unique case. We have secured more than $1 billion in compensation for clients in over 45,000 client cases. Book your free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys in Newport Beach, CA, today at (866) 598-5548.
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