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Santa Barbara Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys
Are You in Need of a Hit and Run Injury Lawyer in Santa Barbara?
If you were injured in a hit and run accident in Santa Barbara, you may still have options for pursuing compensation, even if the driver is never identified. Medical bills, lost income, vehicle damage, and emotional trauma can create significant hardships after an accident.
At NordstrandBlack PC, we help victims understand their rights and pursue every available avenue for recovery.
A Santa Barbara car accident lawyer may be able to help if:
- You suffered injuries in a hit and run crash
- The other driver fled before exchanging information
- Police have not identified the driver
- Your insurance company is disputing your claim
- You sustained serious injuries requiring medical treatment
- A loved one was killed in a hit and run collision
- You are unsure whether uninsured motorist coverage applies
Why Choose Us Over Other Hit and Run Accident Attorneys in Santa Barbara?
Hit and run accidents often involve unique legal and insurance issues. Our Santa Barbara car accident attorneys Renée Nordstrand-Black and Doug Black work to investigate these cases, identify responsible parties whenever possible, and maximize available compensation through insurance claims and litigation when appropriate.
NordstrandBlack PC understands the challenges victims face after a serious collision. Our firm is committed to helping injury victims pursue the compensation they deserve while providing personalized attention throughout the legal process.
Here’s what sets out law firm apart:
- Renée Nordstrand-Black received the Deborah Talmage Attorney of the Year Award, recognizing her outstanding service to the legal community.
- Avvo Rated 10.0 Superb, reflecting exceptional client reviews and professional credentials.
- Rated Premium by Lawyer.com, a distinction awarded to highly regarded attorneys.
- Renée J. Nordstrand-Black earned the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards, based on peer reviews from fellow attorneys.
- Free consultations available, allowing you to discuss your case without financial risk.
- Extensive experience handling catastrophic injury claims, including life altering and permanent injuries.
- Proven commitment to protecting the rights of injury victims, through dedicated advocacy and personalized representation.
- Dedicated representation for Santa Barbara residents and visitors, with a strong understanding of the local community and courts.
Unsure What to Do After a Hit and Run?
An experienced attorney can help investigate your accident and identify available insurance coverage. Call (805) 962-2022 for a free case review.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
A hit and run accident occurs when a driver leaves the scene of a collision without stopping to provide information or render aid as required by California law. When a driver flees the scene, they may face criminal penalties in addition to civil liability for the injuries and damages they caused.
California Vehicle Code § 20001 generally requires drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death to stop immediately and fulfill certain legal obligations. California Vehicle Code § 20002 similarly applies to accidents involving property damage.
What Are Some Causes of Hit and Run Accidents?
Drivers leave accident scenes for many reasons, including:
- Driving under the influence
- Driving without insurance
- Driving with a suspended license
- Outstanding warrants
- Fear of arrest
- Panic
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Attempting to avoid financial responsibility
Regardless of the reason, leaving the scene of an accident can significantly worsen the situation for injured victims.
Injuries Caused by Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run collisions often occur at high speeds and can result in severe injuries. Injuries may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Facial injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Permanent disabilities
Strategies for Identifying the Driver
Identifying the fleeing driver is often one of the most important aspects of a hit and run investigation. Several methods may help uncover the driver's identity.
Surveillance Footage
Nearby businesses, traffic cameras, security systems, and residential cameras may capture valuable footage of the collision or the fleeing vehicle.
Witness Statements
Witnesses may remember important details such as:
- License plate numbers
- Vehicle make and model
- Vehicle color
- Distinctive damage
- Driver descriptions
Vehicle Debris
Accident scenes often contain broken parts from the fleeing vehicle, such as mirrors, headlight fragments, bumper pieces, and paint transfers. These pieces of evidence can help investigators identify the vehicle involved and potentially locate the responsible driver. These items can sometimes help investigators identify the responsible vehicle.
Police Investigation
Law enforcement agencies frequently use accident reconstruction techniques and investigative resources to locate hit and run drivers.
Social Media and Public Tips
In some cases, news coverage and social media posts generate leads that help identify a fleeing driver.
Accident Reconstruction Experts
Experts can analyze crash evidence to determine details about the vehicle involved, narrowing the search.
What If the Hit and Run Driver Is Never Found?
Many victims worry that they cannot recover compensation if the responsible driver is never identified. Fortunately, that is not always the case.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In California, uninsured motorist coverage often applies when a hit and run driver cannot be identified.
This coverage may help compensate victims for:
- Medical expenses and other losses like loss of income
- Future medical treatment and other losses like loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Lost earning capacity
Many drivers are unaware that their own insurance policy may provide significant protection after a hit and run accident.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage may help pay for vehicle repairs or replacement regardless of who caused the accident.
What's the Legal Process for a Hit and Run Injury Claim?
Every case is different, but most hit and run injury claims follow a similar process.
- Initial Investigation. Your attorney will begin by gathering evidence related to the collision to determine how the accident occurred and who may be responsible. Evidence may include police reports, medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage, vehicle damage documentation, and expert analysis.
- Identifying Insurance Coverage. The next step often involves determining all available insurance coverage, including uninsured motorist benefits.
- Evaluating Damages. Your lawyer will calculate the full extent of your losses, including both current and future damages.
- Negotiating With Insurance Companies. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. Your attorney can negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
- Filing a Lawsuit. If necessary, a lawsuit may be filed against the responsible party or other liable parties.
- Resolution. Many claims are settled before trial, but experienced litigation may be necessary when fair compensation is not offered.
Injured by a Driver Who Fled the Scene?
You deserve answers and experienced legal representation. Contact NordstrandBlack PC today at (805) 962-2022.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance After a Hit and Run Accident
Many drivers do not realize that uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can provide valuable protection after a serious accident. These coverages are especially important in hit and run cases where the at fault driver cannot be identified or does not have enough insurance to cover the victim's losses.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage may apply when:
- The hit and run driver is never identified
- The at fault driver has no insurance
- The at fault driver's insurance coverage has lapsed
This coverage may help compensate victims for medical expenses and other losses like loss of income, future medical treatment and other losses like loss of income, pain and suffering, and lost earning capacity. It may also provide financial recovery for permanent disabilities and other long-term effects resulting from the accident.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Underinsured motorist coverage may apply when the at fault driver is identified but carries insurance limits that are too low to fully compensate the victim.
For example, if your damages exceed the driver's policy limits, your UIM coverage may help bridge the gap between the available liability coverage and your total losses, subject to the terms of your policy.
Challenges With UM and UIM Claims
Even though these claims are filed through your own insurance company, insurers may still attempt to minimize payouts. Common disputes involve:
- The severity of injuries
- Medical treatment needs
- Lost income claims
- Liability issues
- The value of pain and suffering damages
Because insurance companies have financial incentives to limit compensation, it is often beneficial to have an experienced Santa Barbara personal injury attorney review your claim and help protect your interests.
Types of Damages Available
Victims injured in hit and run accidents may be entitled to recover compensation for a variety of losses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate victims for measurable financial losses.
Examples include:
- Medical expenses and other losses like loss of income
- Future medical treatment and other losses like loss of income
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are meant to compensate victims for personal losses.
Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful Death Damages
Families who lose a loved one in a fatal hit and run accident may be eligible to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Potential damages may include:
- Funeral expenses
- Burial costs
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of household services
What Clients Are Saying About Us
Professional and extremely pleasant to deal with
NordstrandBlack PC represented my husband for a personal injury case. The entire staff at NordstrandBlack PC is professional and extremely pleasant to deal with. My experience with Doug and Renée has helped to change my perspective in thinking that all attorneys only look after their own pockets. What struck me most is that the human approach component could be felt at any given time. It is without hesitation that I favorably recommend NordstrandBlack PC for anyone in need of a fair legal representation.
- Guylaine Therrien (Ghee) (5-Star Google Review)
We will recommend them to any of our family or friends
NordstrandBlack PC represented my husband in a personal injury case. They were very thorough, diligent, and made the process very easy. Their communication, status updates on the case, and overall professionalism were excellent! We will recommend them to any of our family or friends in need of a personal injury lawyer. Thank you guys; we appreciate you!
- Veronica Lopez (5-Star Google Review)
Other Local Cities We Serve in California
- Montecito
- Oxnard
- San Luis Obispo
- Ventura
- Goleta
Speak With an Experienced Santa Barbara Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
A hit and run accident can leave victims facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about the future. NordstrandBlack PC is committed to helping injury victims pursue the compensation they deserve after serious accidents.
We can investigate your case, identify available insurance coverage, and fight for your rights every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit and run accident in Santa Barbara, call (805) 962-2022 for a free consultation.
Learn how our experienced legal team can help you move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a hit and run accident?
Call 911 if anyone is injured and report the accident to law enforcement as soon as possible. Seek medical attention, document the scene, gather witness information, and contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.
Can I recover compensation if the hit and run driver is never found?
Yes. Many victims are able to pursue compensation through their uninsured motorist coverage. Depending on the circumstances, other sources of recovery may also be available.
Is a hit and run accident a crime in California?
Yes. California Vehicle Code §§ 20001 and 20002 require drivers involved in accidents to stop and fulfill certain legal obligations. Drivers who flee the scene may face criminal penalties in addition to civil liability.
What damages can I recover after a hit and run accident?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and other losses like loss of income, future medical treatment and other losses like loss of income, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other accident-related losses.
How can a personal injury lawyer help identify a hit and run driver?
An attorney can investigate surveillance footage, interview witnesses, obtain police reports, work with accident reconstruction experts, and gather evidence that may help identify the responsible driver.
Can pedestrians and bicyclists file hit and run injury claims?
Yes. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and vehicle occupants injured in hit and run accidents may all have legal rights. The available compensation will depend on the facts of the case and applicable insurance coverage.
Why should I hire a lawyer for a hit and run accident claim?
Hit and run cases often involve complicated insurance issues and investigations. A lawyer can help protect your rights, handle negotiations, and pursue the maximum compensation available under the circumstances.
Meet Our Hit and Run Injury Lawyers
Renée Nordstrand-Black
Renée Nordstrand-Black is the founding partner of NordstrandBlack PC, a respected California personal injury law firm dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by serious accidents, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death. For decades, she has been a trusted advocate for injury victims, fighting to hold negligent individuals, corporations, insurance companies, and other responsible parties accountable.
Throughout her career, Renée has represented clients in a wide range of personal injury matters, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, truck accidents, premises liability claims, defective product cases, birth injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning claims, and wrongful death lawsuits. She is passionate about helping clients whose lives have been permanently altered by catastrophic injuries and ensuring they receive the resources they need to move forward.
Doug Black
Doug Black is a dedicated personal injury attorney and partner of NordstrandBlack PC. He is committed to helping accident victims and their families pursue justice after serious injuries and wrongful death incidents. With a client-focused approach and a strong commitment to advocacy, Doug works closely with individuals facing some of the most challenging periods of their lives, helping them understand their legal rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.
Doug represents clients in a variety of personal injury matters, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, premises liability claims, catastrophic injury cases, and wrongful death lawsuits. He understands that a serious accident can create significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens, and he strives to provide clients with the guidance and support they need throughout the legal process.