Author: Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys

When a loved one is killed in a pedestrian accident, the grief is overwhelming. But what happens when the police report blames the victim? If your family member was crossing the street at night or outside a crosswalk, you might think you have no legal recourse.

Many grieving families choose not to hire a lawyer because they accept the official narrative that the accident was unavoidable due to darkness or crossing outside a crosswalk. Insurance companies rely on this hesitation to avoid paying out a fair wrongful death settlement. 

In this case study, a grieving sister almost did not call us. However, once Kohan & Bablove took the case, we spotted critical lies in the defendant’s statement immediately. We exposed police report errors and used aggressive insurance adjuster negotiation tactics. The result was a full $1,000,000 policy limits settlement paid out within just a couple of months.

The Challenge: A Grieving Family vs. A Negative Police Report

The Tragic Circumstances: Auto vs. Pedestrian at Night

The aftermath of a fatal pedestrian accident leaves a family in shock and disbelief. Our client reached out to Kohan & Bablove during the darkest moment of her life after her brother was struck and killed by a vehicle. The collision occurred in the middle of the night, which made the details difficult to piece together initially. The sudden violence of an auto vs. pedestrian crash is traumatizing enough on its own. However, the legal aftermath can often feel just as cruel to the surviving family members who are left with more questions than answers.

The Police Report: Blaming the Victim for “Poor Visibility”

The initial investigation by law enforcement did not bring the family comfort. Instead, it brought blame. The official traffic collision report was devastating for the victim’s sister. The officers on the scene focused heavily on the fact that the victim was crossing outside a crosswalk in an area with dim streetlamps. They concluded that this was a poor lighting accident and placed primary fault on the pedestrian for being in the roadway. The report suggested the driver had no way to see him in time to stop due to the darkness. This “official” narrative effectively exonerated the driver while placing blame on the deceased.

Why the Family Almost Didn’t Hire a Lawyer

Because of these findings, the family almost did not pursue a wrongful death settlement. The sister assumed that the police report was the final word on the matter. She believed that because her brother was technically jaywalking, the insurance company would deny the claim outright. This is a common trap for victims and their families. They often fail to realize that police report errors are common and that “fault” in a police report is not the same as legal liability in a civil case. They nearly walked away from justice because they thought the case was hopeless against such a negative official record.

The Strategy: Spotting Inconsistencies and Aggressive Negotiation

Immediate Action: Engaging the Insurance Adjuster

Time is often the enemy in personal injury cases. While many law firms wait weeks or even months for the police investigation to conclude officially, the team at Kohan & Bablove took a different approach. We engaged the insurance adjuster in the negotiation process immediately. Speed was a critical factor in preserving the truth of this case.

We knew that insurance companies start building their defense the moment an accident is reported. By stepping in early, we prevented them from cementing their denial based solely on the preliminary police notes. This proactive strategy allowed us to control the narrative of the wrongful death settlement discussion from day one rather than playing catch-up later.

Exposing the Defendant’s Lies: It Wasn’t Just the “Darkness”

Our attorneys are trained to see what others miss in the details of a crash. We meticulously analyzed the defendant’s statement to the police and found glaring inconsistencies that the officers on the scene had overlooked. The defense relied heavily on the argument that the victim was crossing outside a crosswalk in the dark. However, we dug deeper.

We proved that, despite the location of the pedestrian, the driver still had a legal duty of care to watch the road. We demonstrated that the excuse of a poor lighting accident did not justify the driver’s negligence because their headlights should have illuminated the victim in time to stop. We successfully argued that police report errors regarding visibility did not absolve the driver of responsibility. The driver was simply not paying attention.

Demanding the Maximum: Pursuing the Policy Limits

Once we exposed these critical flaws in the defense’s story, the leverage shifted entirely to our client. We did not approach the insurance carrier to ask for a compromise or a small settlement. We demanded the full value of the insurance policy based on the clear liability we uncovered.

We made it clear to the adjuster that we were ready to file a lawsuit if they did not pay. Our goal was to maximize policy limits for the grieving family. We argued that the loss of life warranted nothing less than the maximum available compensation. This aggressive stance forced the insurance company to reevaluate their risk and ultimately agree to our terms.

The Outcome: $1,000,000 Settlement in Record Time

Justice Delivered Within Months

At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, we know that time is absolutely crucial for grieving families. Because our legal team dismantled the driver’s false story so quickly, the insurance company was backed into a corner. They reviewed our compiled evidence and knew they would lose at trial.

By exposing the absolute truth about this fatal pedestrian accident, we completely shifted the power dynamic. Instead of engaging in a frustrating and prolonged insurance adjuster negotiation, the carrier agreed to settle. They agreed to maximize policy limits and paid the entire $1,000,000 wrongful death settlement within just a couple of months of our firm taking the case.

Our aggressive legal strategy effectively spared the grieving family from a stressful, expensive court battle that could have easily dragged on for several years.

Relief for the Family: Why Hiring a Lawyer Made the Difference

The victim’s sister felt incredibly relieved when she received the final news from our office. Initially, she was fully convinced she had zero legal options after the devastating pedestrian accident. Because it was deemed a poor lighting accident and her brother was crossing outside a crosswalk, the official narrative unfairly blamed him.

However, making the decision to call our law firm changed everything for her family. She went from feeling entirely hopeless to securing full justice for her brother. While no amount of money can ever bring a beloved family member back, this substantial wrongful death settlement provided vital financial closure during a period of deep emotional loss.

This specific case highlights exactly why families must never accept a quick denial from an insurance carrier. Hiring Kohan & Bablove ensures a proper investigation takes place to protect your family and uncover the truth.

Secure the Justice Your Loved One Deserves

It is surprisingly common for skilled attorneys to find lies and inconsistencies in a defendant’s story. This remains true even when an official police report blames the victim for jaywalking or causing a poor lighting accident. Never assume your family has no case just because initial documents claim your loved one was crossing outside a crosswalk.

Conclusion

If you have tragically lost a family member in a pedestrian accident, do not make the decision to give up on your own. Let our experienced legal team review the facts first. Insurance companies want you to walk away, but we will protect your rights.

Contact Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation. We know how to uncover the truth, handle the stressful insurance adjuster negotiation, and secure a maximum wrongful death settlement. Let us fight to get you the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.

Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys

Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys was founded by three former defense attorneys who were tired of helping insurance companies and big corporations save money by paying the least amount possible to resolve claims. We wanted to open a law firm where we could use our years of experience handling the toughest and largest claims to benefit the individual. Each of us were tired of being cogs in the wheel that focused on paying the least amount possible to injured persons regardless of injuries or the validity of their claims.

Introduction

Imagine surviving a devastating pedestrian accident, enduring six surgeries, and fighting to rebuild your life, only to have the driver who caused it all refuse to take responsibility.

That is exactly what our client faced. And it is not as uncommon as it should be.

Pedestrian accident victims are often targeted by insurance companies looking for a fast, cheap resolution. Insurers know that an unrepresented victim is far easier to lowball than one backed by an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. Their strategy is simple: move quickly, offer little, and close the claim before the full picture of a victim’s suffering and losses comes into focus.

At Kohan & Bablove, we refused to let that happen. By deploying private investigator surveillance, conducting a thorough asset discovery investigation, and proving liability early, we secured a $3 million pre-litigation settlement for our client in just 12 months, without ever setting foot in a courtroom. At the time, it was the largest pre-litigation settlement in our firm’s history.

This is how we did it.

The Challenge: Catastrophic Injuries and a Denied Liability Claim

The Physical and Emotional Toll

Our client’s life changed in an instant. The impact of the pedestrian accident left her with multiple fractures requiring six separate surgeries to stabilize and repair. Her physical recovery was long, painful, and ongoing. But for many catastrophic injury survivors, the emotional weight can be just as debilitating as the physical damage. Living with uncertainty, not knowing whether justice will ever come, adds a layer of suffering that no settlement figure can fully capture.

What made her situation even more difficult was the defendant’s response. Despite the clear and serious nature of the crash, the at-fault driver flatly refused to admit fault. For our client, that denial was not just a legal obstacle. It felt like a personal injustice, as she was being forced to fight for her dignity and her future at the very moment she needed to focus on healing.

The Insurance Company’s Strategy

Shortly after the accident, once the insurer recognized the potential magnitude of the damages, they moved quickly, but not in our client’s favor. The insurance company pushed hard for early mediation, presenting it as a cooperative path toward resolution. In reality, it was a calculated tactic designed to limit their financial exposure.

Here is why: before a formal lawsuit is filed, the opposing side is not legally required to hand over internal communications, phone records, or dashcam footage. The insurance company understood this procedural reality and tried to use it as leverage. By keeping critical evidence out of reach, they hoped to pressure our client into accepting a settlement far below what her catastrophic injuries and suffering actually warranted. They were counting on her desperation and exhaustion to do the work for them.

  We had other plans.

The Strategy: Building Leverage Through Investigation

If They Will Not Give Us the Evidence, We Find It Ourselves

Kohan & Bablove injury attorneys are not a firm that waits. Rather than accepting the limitations of the pre-litigation phase, we immediately launched our own independent investigation.

Our team hired a private investigator surveillance team to physically canvas the area where the pedestrian accident occurred. We were not waiting for the defendant’s cooperation or the insurance company’s timeline. We were looking for the truth, and we found it.

Our investigators identified third-party security cameras from nearby businesses that had been overlooked by both the police and the insurance adjusters. The footage was unambiguous. It captured the collision in clear detail and established that the defendant was entirely at fault. With that evidence in hand, the defense could no longer deny liability. We had not relied on their records or their cooperation. We had built our case independently, and it was airtight.

Asset Discovery: Ensuring the Defendant Could Pay

Proving fault is only one part of securing meaningful compensation for a catastrophic injury. In cases involving severe damages, a standard insurance policy limit is often not enough to cover a client’s full losses. Our team knew we had to look deeper.

We conducted a comprehensive asset discovery investigation to evaluate the defendant’s full financial picture beyond their basic coverage. What we found was significant. The defendant had substantial financial resources that had not been disclosed upfront. This was the final piece of leverage we needed.

By combining undeniable video evidence of liability with documented proof of the defendant’s assets, we put the insurance company in an impossible position. They knew that if this case went before a jury, the outcome would almost certainly exceed anything they had offered. The risk of going to trial was simply too great.

The Outcome: A $3 Million Pre-Litigation Settlement in 12 Months

A Historic Result for Our Client

With liability proven on camera and asset discovery confirming the defendant’s ability to pay, the defense’s strategy collapsed. Kohan & Bablove successfully negotiated a $3,000,000 settlement within 12 months of the pedestrian accident, without filing a lawsuit.

At the time, this stood as the single largest pre-litigation settlement in our firm’s history. Achieving this level of catastrophic injury compensation outside of a courtroom is rare. It is a direct result of aggressive preparation, proactive investigation, and an unwillingness to accept anything less than full value for our client’s suffering.

What This Meant for Our Client

Beyond the financial outcome, what mattered most to our client was that she never had to relive the trauma of her accident on a witness stand. She did not have to endure years of litigation while still recovering from her injuries. Instead, she received the justice she deserved in under a year, allowing her to close this painful chapter and focus entirely on her recovery and her family.

Throughout the process, the Kohan & Bablove team maintained constant communication, answering every question and providing steady reassurance during one of the most difficult periods of her life. She was never left to navigate this alone.

Securing this pre-litigation settlement was not just about winning a case. It was about protecting our client’s future and her well-being from the very first conversation to the final resolution.

Conclusion: Proactive Advocacy Makes the Difference

Many law firms wait for the formal discovery process to unfold before building their case. Kohan & Bablove takes a different approach. We go out and find the evidence ourselves. We investigate assets. We refuse to let insurance companies control the timeline or dictate the value of our clients’ suffering.

In this case, that proactive approach turned a completely denied liability claim into a $3 million victory for a pedestrian accident victim who deserved so much better than what the insurance company was willing to offer.

The difference between a lowball offer and a life-changing settlement often comes down to the determination and resources of your legal team. If you are dealing with serious injuries while an insurance company drags its feet, you deserve a firm that will fight for your future with everything available to it.

 Contact Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation. Let us build the leverage you need to maximize your recovery.

Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys

Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys was founded by three former defense attorneys who were tired of helping insurance companies and big corporations save money by paying the least amount possible to resolve claims. We wanted to open a law firm where we could use our years of experience handling the toughest and largest claims to benefit the individual. Each of us were tired of being cogs in the wheel that focused on paying the least amount possible to injured persons regardless of injuries or the validity of their claims.

Texas car accident statistics reveal a sobering reality for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians across the state. Despite improvements in vehicle safety and enforcement, Texas continues to report thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousands of injuries each year. Understanding these trends is not just about data. It is essential for identifying liability, strengthening personal injury claims, and protecting your legal rights.

In this research-driven guide, we break down the latest Texas crash data, uncover key trends, analyze leading causes, and explain the legal implications for accident victims. Whether you are a driver, policymaker, or injury victim, these insights provide a clear, evidence-based understanding of roadway risks in Texas.

Overview of Car Accident Data in Texas

Texas consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of motor vehicle accidents in the United States. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the scale of traffic incidents remains alarming even in years with slight improvements.

In 2024 alone, Texas reported:

• 4,150 fatalities, a 3.29% decrease from 2023
• 251,977 injuries from traffic crashes
• One crash every 57 seconds
• One injury every 2 minutes and 5 seconds
• One death every 2 hours and 7 minutes

These figures highlight that car accidents are not isolated incidents. They are a constant and systemic issue affecting millions of Texans.

Additionally, Texas recorded over 513,000 crashes in 2024, demonstrating the sheer volume of roadway incidents across urban and rural areas . The state’s large population, extensive highway network, and high vehicle miles traveled contribute significantly to these numbers.

Another key metric is the fatality rate, which stood at 1.35 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2024. While this reflects a slight improvement, it still indicates substantial risk exposure for drivers.

From a legal standpoint, these numbers matter because they establish patterns of negligence, risk factors, and systemic hazards. Courts and insurance companies often rely on such data to evaluate claims, determine liability, and assess damages.

Year-by-Year Trend Analysis

Understanding Texas car accident statistics requires analyzing how trends evolve over time. While some metrics show improvement, others reveal persistent risks.

Between 2023 and 2024:

• Fatalities decreased from 4,291 to 4,150
• Fatality rate declined by 5.25%
• Vehicle miles traveled increased by 2.07%

This creates a paradox. While roads are statistically becoming slightly safer per mile, total exposure is increasing, which keeps overall fatalities high.

Fatalities vs Non-Fatal Accidents

The vast majority of accidents in Texas are non-fatal, but the injury burden is massive. In 2024:

• Over 251,000 injuries occurred
• 18,218 serious injuries were reported

This means that for every fatal accident, there are dozens of life-altering injury cases. From a personal injury perspective, non-fatal crashes often result in long-term medical costs, lost wages, and diminished quality of life.

Moreover, serious injury crashes (14,905 incidents) indicate a high frequency of severe collisions. These cases frequently involve complex litigation due to higher damages and disputed liability.

Urban vs Rural Accident Rates

One of the most critical insights in Texas crash data is the urban-rural divide.

• 50.1F% of fatalities occur in rural areas
• 2,080 deaths occurred on rural roads in 2024

Rural accidents tend to be more severe due to:

• Higher speed limits
• Limited lighting
• Delayed emergency response times

Additionally, single-vehicle run-off-road crashes accounted for 32.6% of fatalities, many of which occur in rural settings.

From a legal standpoint, rural accidents often involve different liability considerations, including road design, maintenance issues, and delayed medical intervention.

Leading Causes of Accidents

Identifying the leading causes behind crashes is essential for both prevention and legal analysis. Texas data consistently highlights a few dominant factors.

The most common causes of accidents in 2024 include:

• Speeding (135,053 crashes)
• Distracted driving (86,798 crashes)
• Unsafe lane changes (52,691 crashes)
• Failure to yield and traffic violations

For fatal crashes, the leading contributors include:

• Failure to maintain lane
• Drunk driving
• Speeding
• Unsafe driving behaviors

Additionally, alcohol-related crashes remain a major issue, accounting for 25.37% of all fatalities in 2024 .

Distracted driving also caused 380 deaths in 2024, underscoring the dangers of mobile device usage .

From a legal perspective, these causes directly translate into negligence claims. For example:

• Speeding → breach of duty of care
• Drunk driving → negligence per se
• Distracted driving → reckless behavior

Establishing causation is a critical element in personal injury lawsuits, and these statistics often serve as supporting evidence.

Demographic Risk Factors

Texas crash data also reveals important demographic trends that influence accident risk.

Key insights include:

• Male drivers are disproportionately involved in fatal crashes (national and regional trends)
• Younger drivers face higher accident rates due to inexperience
• Older drivers may have higher fatality risk due to physical vulnerability

Additionally, vulnerable road users face elevated risks:

• 768 pedestrian deaths in 2024
• 78 bicyclist fatalities

Motorcyclists are also at high risk:

• 585 motorcyclist fatalities in 2024
• 37% were not wearing helmets

These statistics highlight how risk is not evenly distributed across populations.

Legally, demographic factors may influence:

• Comparative fault arguments
• Duty of care standards
• Jury perception in injury cases

Economic Impact of Car Accidents

The economic consequences of car accidents in Texas extend far beyond immediate damages. While exact annual cost figures vary, the cumulative impact includes:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Insurance costs and premium increases

The Texas Department of Transportation also tracks economic loss associated with crashes, which reaches billions annually when factoring healthcare, productivity, and property damage .

Additionally, increased vehicle miles traveled (307 billion miles in 2024) further amplifies economic exposure .

From a legal standpoint, economic damages form the backbone of personal injury claims. Plaintiffs may recover:

• Medical costs (past and future)
• Lost income
• Property repair costs

In severe cases, claims may also include non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Legal Implications of These Trends

The trends in Texas car accident statistics have direct legal consequences for both plaintiffs and defendants.

1. Negligence and Liability

Most car accident cases are based on negligence, which requires proving:

• Duty of care
• Breach of duty
• Causation
• Damages

Statistics showing common causes like speeding or drunk driving strengthen negligence claims.

2. Comparative Fault in Texas

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule (51% bar rule). This means:

• You can recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault
• Compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault

Accident data helps establish fault distribution in disputed cases.

3. Negligence Per Se

Certain violations, such as DUI, may qualify as negligence per se, meaning liability is presumed if the violation caused the accident.

4. Evidence and Litigation Strategy

Law firms often use crash statistics to:

• Demonstrate foreseeable risks
• Support expert testimony
• Strengthen settlement negotiations

What This Means for Injury Claims

For injury victims, these statistics are more than numbers. They directly influence how claims are evaluated and resolved.

Key Takeaways for Claimants:

• High accident frequency strengthens the argument that risks are well-known
• Common causes like speeding make liability easier to prove
• Injury prevalence supports higher compensation claims

Victims should act quickly to:

• Gather evidence
• Seek medical treatment
• Consult a personal injury attorney

Insurance companies often rely on statistical trends to minimize payouts. However, experienced attorneys use the same data to maximize compensation.

Internal Link Suggestions:

• Personal Injury Services Page
• Car Accident Lawyer Texas Page
• Wrongful Death Claims Guide

External Link Suggestions:

• Texas Department of Transportation Crash Reports
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Conclusion

Texas car accident statistics paint a clear and compelling picture of roadway risk across the state. Despite modest improvements in fatality rates, the total number of crashes, injuries, and deaths remains alarmingly high. With over 4,000 fatalities and hundreds of thousands of injuries annually, traffic accidents continue to impact individuals, families, and communities at scale.

The data also reveals consistent patterns. Speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving remain leading causes, while rural areas account for a disproportionate share of fatalities. These trends highlight not only the dangers on Texas roads but also the importance of accountability and legal protection.

For injury victims, understanding these statistics is critical. They provide the foundation for proving negligence, calculating damages, and pursuing fair compensation. Whether negotiating with insurers or litigating in court, data-driven insights strengthen every aspect of a personal injury claim.

Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys

Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys was founded by three former defense attorneys who were tired of helping insurance companies and big corporations save money by paying the least amount possible to resolve claims. We wanted to open a law firm where we could use our years of experience handling the toughest and largest claims to benefit the individual. Each of us were tired of being cogs in the wheel that focused on paying the least amount possible to injured persons regardless of injuries or the validity of their claims.

The chaos of a car crash is made worse when the other driver flees. For victims of hit-and-run accidents in Riverside, this creates a feeling of frustration and uncertainty. You’re left with injuries and damages, wondering how you will cover your medical bills and repairs.

Fortunately, you may have options through your own auto insurance policy, specifically through an uninsured motorist claim. Navigating this process can be complex, and it’s important to know your rights. The dedicated car accident lawyers at Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys are here to help you explore every available path to recovery.

The First Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run

The moments after a hit-and-run are chaotic and frightening. The other driver’s decision to flee the scene adds insult to injury, leaving you to deal with the consequences alone. While your first instinct might be panic, taking immediate, deliberate steps is crucial. The actions you take at the scene can be the difference in helping police locate the at-fault driver and in protecting your right to file a hit-and-run claim.

Reporting the Incident to the Police Immediately

Your first and most important call should be to the police. Call 911 and report the accident from the scene. Filing a police report creates an official, time-stamped record of the crime. This report is non-negotiable; insurance companies require it before they will even consider an uninsured motorist claim. It also initiates a formal investigation, increasing the chances that the driver who fled might be found. Provide the dispatcher with your exact location and as many details as you can about the incident.

Writing Down Every Detail You Can Remember (Vehicle, Driver)

Adrenaline can make memories fade quickly. While you wait for the police, use the notes app on your phone to write down everything you can remember about the other vehicle and its driver. No detail is too small. Include:

• Make, model, and color of the car (e.g., “blue Honda Civic sedan”). 
• Any portion of the license plate number, even just one or two digits. 
• Distinguishing features like bumper stickers, a roof rack, or visible damage. 
• A description of the driver if you saw them. 
• The direction the vehicle was heading when it fled. 

Seeking Witnesses and Nearby Security Cameras

You are not the only potential source of information. Look around to see if any other drivers, pedestrians, or workers saw what happened. Politely ask them for their name and contact information. Also, take note of any businesses in the area. Many commercial properties in Riverside have security cameras that may have recorded the accident. While you cannot demand the footage yourself, noting the location of these cameras gives your car accident lawyer a critical starting point for their investigation.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: Your Safety Net

When the at-fault driver in a Riverside hit-and-run vanishes, many victims worry their financial recovery is impossible. This is where your own auto insurance policy can provide a crucial lifeline. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is a financial safety net designed for exactly these situations, allowing you to seek compensation even when the responsible party cannot be found.

How Your Own Auto Insurance Policy Can Cover You

Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is an optional but vital part of your own car insurance policy that you purchase to protect yourself. For the purposes of a hit-and-run claim, the law allows the fleeing, unidentified driver to be treated as an “uninsured motorist.” This means your own insurance company steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver’s insurer. Your UM coverage can be used to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and even your pain and suffering, up to your policy limits.

The Process of Filing a UM Claim

The process begins by promptly notifying your own insurance company about the hit-and-run accident in Riverside. You must cooperate with their investigation, which includes providing them with a copy of the police report and evidence of your injuries and damages. They will open an uninsured motorist claim under your policy. You will then submit your medical records, proof of lost income, and other documentation to them, just as you would to an at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Why You Still Need an Attorney to Deal With Your Own Insurer

Many people believe that because they are dealing with their own insurance company, the process will be simple and fair. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Your insurer’s primary goal is still to protect their profits by minimizing the amount they pay out, even on a UM claim. They will scrutinize your medical records, question the necessity of treatments, and often make a low settlement offer. A skilled car accident lawyer from Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys understands these tactics and will fight on your behalf to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you are entitled to under your policy.

What Happens if the Driver is Found?

While many hit-and-run drivers are never identified, a thorough police investigation or evidence uncovered by your attorney can sometimes lead to the at-fault party. If the driver who fled your Riverside accident is located, the entire dynamic of your case changes. Instead of relying on your own insurance, you can now pursue justice directly from the negligent individual and their insurance company, which often opens the door to greater compensation.

Pursuing a Standard Personal Injury Claim

Once the driver is identified, your hit-and-run claim transforms into a standard personal injury case. Your car accident lawyer will file a claim directly with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance carrier. You will seek compensation for all your damages, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. The key difference is that you are no longer limited by your own uninsured motorist claim policy limits. If the driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your damages, you can also use your Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.

The Possibility of Punitive Damages

In a typical negligence case, you can only recover “compensatory” damages to make you whole. However, a hit-and-run is not just negligent; it is a conscious and malicious act of disregard for your safety. In California, this egregious behavior can give rise to punitive damages. These are additional damages awarded not to compensate you, but to punish the at-fault driver for their conduct and deter others from doing the same. While difficult to obtain, the act of fleeing an accident scene is precisely the type of behavior for which punitive damages are designed.

How Kohan & Bablove Helps Riverside Hit-and-Run Victims

Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Riverside can leave you feeling powerless and unsure of what to do next. At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, we refuse to let that be the end of the story. Our dedicated team takes immediate, proactive steps to protect your rights and pursue every possible avenue for compensation, ensuring you are not left to bear the financial burden alone.

We Can Assist in the Investigation to Find the Driver

While the police conduct their own investigation, we don’t just wait. Our team can launch a parallel civil investigation on your behalf. This may involve canvassing the crash site for previously undiscovered witnesses and sending formal preservation-of-evidence letters to nearby businesses, legally requiring them to save any relevant security footage. These steps can be critical in identifying the at-fault driver and holding them accountable.

Maximizing Your Recovery from All Available Sources

Whether the driver is found or not, our goal is to maximize your recovery. We are highly experienced in managing uninsured motorist claims, ensuring your own insurance company treats you fairly and pays the full value of your hit-and-run claim. If the driver is identified, we pivot to pursue a claim against their insurance and explore all other sources of recovery. As your dedicated car accident lawyer, we leave no stone unturned in our mission to secure the compensation you need to move forward.

Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys

Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys was founded by three former defense attorneys who were tired of helping insurance companies and big corporations save money by paying the least amount possible to resolve claims. We wanted to open a law firm where we could use our years of experience handling the toughest and largest claims to benefit the individual. Each of us were tired of being cogs in the wheel that focused on paying the least amount possible to injured persons regardless of injuries or the validity of their claims.