What if the driver who hit me was uninsured or fled the scene?
You still have options. Your own auto insurance policy might include Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This type of insurance is designed to cover your losses in a hit-and-run or when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your bills. We can review your policy to determine if this coverage is available to you.
I was jaywalking. Does that prevent me from filing a claim?
Not necessarily. As we mentioned above, California’s comparative negligence rule allows for shared fault. While pedestrians must also exercise reasonable care for their own safety, drivers have a broad duty to be aware and avoid collisions whenever possible. If the driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise careless, they could still hold a significant share of the responsibility.
How long will my case take to resolve?
The timeline depends on the specific facts of your case. A straightforward claim with minor injuries could be resolved in a few months. A case involving severe, life-altering injuries that requires a lawsuit might take a year or more to complete. Our main priority is pursuing the maximum compensation available under the law, not just the fastest settlement.
Does the city share responsibility if a dangerous intersection caused the accident?
In some circumstances, yes. A government entity, like the City of Los Angeles, could be held partly liable if a poorly designed road, a broken traffic signal, or an obscured crosswalk contributed to the accident. Claims against the government have different rules and much shorter deadlines, so it is important to investigate this possibility immediately.
Will I have to go to court?
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. Filing a lawsuit does not mean you will end up in a courtroom; it is a strategic step that sometimes motivates the other side to negotiate seriously.
