A hit-and-run accident is one of the most frustrating and emotionally unsettling types of car crashes. Not only are you left dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and medical bills—but the at-fault driver is nowhere to be found. In a busy city like Burbank CA, where traffic congestion and high commuter volume increase the risk of collisions, hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately not uncommon. If you’ve been injured in this type of crash, understanding your legal rights is critical. That’s where The Law Offices of Mark Murad can help.
Why Hit-and-Run Accidents Are So Common in Burbank
While any car accident can be traumatic, hit-and-run crashes present unique challenges. In Burbank, several factors contribute to these incidents:
- Heavy commuter traffic on I-5, SR-134, and major surface streets like Magnolia Blvd
- Frequent parking lot collisions near studios, shopping centers, and restaurants
- Uninsured or unlicensed drivers attempting to avoid penalties
- Drivers under the influence trying to escape legal consequences
When drivers panic and flee instead of staying to exchange insurance information—as California law requires—they leave victims with uncertainty, mounting expenses, and limited information. But that doesn’t mean you are without legal options.
What You Should Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run
Even though the at-fault driver left the scene, there are critical steps you should take to protect yourself and your personal injury claim:
- Call 911 or local law enforcement and file an accident report
- Gather any possible identifying details (vehicle color, make, location, or witness statements)
- Take photos of the accident scene, damage, and injuries
- Notify your insurance provider, but do not accept a settlement right away
- Contact The Law Offices of Mark Murad at (626) 388-1521 to discuss your legal options
Filing a police report is especially important in California, where failing to report a hit-and-run can affect insurance coverage. The sooner a report is filed, the stronger your claim will be.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Hit-and-Run Claims
Without the at-fault driver’s information, many victims believe they must pay out of pocket for medical bills and repairs. However, there are several possible paths to compensation, depending on your policy:
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI)
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)
- Medical Payments (MedPay)
- Collision coverage
California requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage, and many victims don’t realize they already have access to these benefits. A skilled attorney can review your policy and help you file the right type of claim—avoiding low settlement offers and unfair denial tactics.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Hit-and-Run Cases
Insurance companies often treat hit-and-run claims differently, and victims frequently run into issues such as:
- Denied or delayed claims
- Low settlement offers that don’t cover medical costs
- Disputes over whether injuries were pre-existing
- Pressure to settle quickly—before long-term costs are known
At The Law Offices of Mark Murad, we understand that injuries from hit-and-run accidents aren’t just physical—they’re also emotional and financial. Our team works to gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and fight for full compensation for damages, including:
- Medical treatment and future care
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repair or replacement
What If the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Later Identified?
In some cases, law enforcement identifies the fleeing driver through surveillance footage, license plate details, or witness reports. If that happens, you may also pursue a personal injury claim directly against the at-fault driver. Having an attorney already on your side ensures you can take immediate action when that opportunity arises.
Protect Your Rights After a Burbank Hit-and-Run Accident
Being injured by a driver who abandons the scene is stressful—but you are not alone. You have legal rights, and you may be entitled to significant compensation even if the driver is never found.
Call The Law Offices of Mark Murad at (626) 388-1521 today to discuss your case. We help hit-and-run victims across Burbank recover physically, financially, and legally—starting with a free consultation.