San Jose Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
Millions Recovered for Our Clients
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident 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 & Van Der Walde LLP 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 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 San Jose hit-and-run accident lawyers at Caputo & Van Der Walde LLP. 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.
A TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS
Millions Recovered for Our Clients-
School Bus vs. Pedestrian Accident $8,825,000
School bus vs. pedestrian accident resulting in traumatic brain injury.
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Injury Onboard a SCTVA Bus $3,000,000
Injury onboard a SCTVA bus resulting in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
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Improperly Secured Wheelchair Injury $2,650,000
Transit rider in wheelchair that tipped over due to a failure to properly secure the wheelchair. Plaintiff was paraplegic and sustained a rotator cuff injury resulting in loss of ability to self ambulate. This verdict resulted in a Trial Lawyer of the Year Award.
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Fatal Accident from Defective Highway $2,000,000
Auto accident resulting in wrongful death due to defective highway design.
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Auto vs. Bicycle Accident $2,000,000
Auto vs. bicycle accident. Plaintiff sustained injuries that resulted in paraplegia. The settlement was limited at $2 million due to insurance coverage.
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Single Car Rollover Accident $1,975,000
Single car rollover accident resulting in internal and orthopedic injuries to the passenger, including a 4 level spinal fusion requiring multiple surgeries and multiple colon surgeries.
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Auto vs. Big Rig Accident $1,650,000
Auto vs. Big Rig Accident. Crush injuries to the plaintiff’s leg occurred as a result of the accident.
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Auto vs. Pedestrian Accident $1,475,000
Auto vs. pedestrian accident involving leg crush injury.
Client Testimonials
Highly Rated & Reviewed-
“I am happy with the outcome and highly recommend Caputo and Van Der Walde to anyone seeking an injury lawyer.”
- Karen B -
“Our lawyer and his entire staff were extremely approachable and effective in getting a very good settlement from my own insurance company's under-insured motorist coverage. Our lawyer guided my husband and me through the process.”
- Chris G. -
“Paul has a great understanding of people's rights and drives to obtain all that is due to you. He listens and answers questions that anyone could understand without legalize. I contacted him through the recommendation of a friend.”
- Gary G.
WHAT SETS US APART?
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A Supportive Team on Your Side
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Included in Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
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Perfect 10/10 Superb Rating on Avvo
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You Do Not Pay Unless We Win Your Case
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All Initial Case Reviews Are Free of Charge
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Legal Services Available in Spanish
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Tens of Millions of Dollars Recovered for Our Clients
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Over 85 Years of Combined Legal Experience