Hit & Run Accident Attorney in Modesto
We Know How Insurers Fight These Claims. We Use That Against Them.
When a driver causes a crash and flees, victims face a problem most accident cases don’t involve: the person responsible is gone. Identifying them, preserving evidence, and negotiating a claim through your own insurer requires a different kind of preparation. At Law Offices of Dean Petrulakis, we’ve handled hit-and-run cases for clients throughout Modesto and Stanislaus County, and the foundation of that work is something most personal injury firms can’t offer.
Dean Petrulakis spent years as an insurance defense attorney before shifting to represent injured people in 2012. He knows how insurers evaluate uninsured motorist claims, what evidence they scrutinize, and where they look for grounds to reduce or deny a payout. That background shapes how we approach every hit-and-run case from the first call.
If you were hurt in a hit-and-run accident in Modesto, call us at (209) 528-0404 to schedule a free consultation. We work on a contingency-fee basis, so there’s no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
What Dean’s Insurance Defense Background Means for Your Case
In a hit-and-run claim, your own insurance company often becomes the party you’re negotiating against. Uninsured motorist coverage, which California insurers are required to offer and many drivers carry, is the primary recovery path when the at-fault driver can’t be identified. That puts your insurer in a position where its interests conflict directly with yours. Insurers handling these claims apply the same pressure tactics used in third-party claims: disputing the severity of injuries, questioning the necessity of treatment, or challenging whether the accident caused your condition at all.
Dean spent years on that side of the table. He knows how adjusters are trained to assess these claims and what arguments they rely on. Our approach is to put the insurance company and its attorneys on the defensive immediately, before they have the opportunity to build a file against you.
Compensation Available to Modesto Hit-and-Run Victims
Even when the driver who hit you is never found, compensation pathways exist. The right recovery strategy depends on your policy coverage and the specific facts of your accident.
Primary recovery sources:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage: Covers bodily injury and, depending on your policy, property damage when the at-fault driver is unidentified.
- MedPay coverage: Pays immediate medical expenses after a hit-and-run without requiring identification of the fleeing driver.
- Third-party liability: If the fleeing driver was operating a vehicle for an employer, that entity may bear liability even if the driver remains unknown.
Damages we pursue:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life
Past results our firm has achieved in vehicle accident and serious injury cases include a $350,000 car accident recovery, a $500,000 car accident recovery, and a $1.25 million brain injury recovery. These are prior results and are not a guarantee or prediction of the outcome in any future case.
Start Your Hit-and-Run Claim at No Upfront Cost
We offer free initial case evaluations for hit-and-run victims in Modesto and throughout Stanislaus County. Our contingency-fee agreement means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Spanish-speaking services are available.
Contact Law Offices of Dean Petrulakis today at (209) 528-0404 or reach us through our online contact form to discuss your case at no charge.
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“Very knowledgeable in his craft.”
I came to the Law Office of Dean Petrulakis after being referred from a friend. I was previously working with another firm who had done very little to help me, let alone communicate with me. Mr. Petrulakis took time to speak with me over the phone and after consideration of the difficulties related to my case, he agreed to take my case. I was very impressed and appreciative of the genuine concern and compassion he relayed. He is very knowledgeable in his craft, and equally kind and personable. He and his assistant Jennifer were amazing communicators who kept me well informed without delay. My case was handled quickly, professionally, and exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend the Law Offices of Dean Petrulakis to everyone/anyone who has been injured and needs representation.- K's A. -
“HIGHLY recommend him for any injury needs”
“Dean has definitely helped us with a case on our hit and run. My husband and I are so thankful for his fast action and professionalism. Great staff. HIGHLY recommend him for any injury needs. Thank you Dean!”- Former Client -
“The best in our area by far!”
“Thank you helping us when we needed you. The best in our area by far!”- Former Client -
“Dean Petrulakis and his firm were invaluable in helping me through a difficult time.”
“Dean walked me through the process and made it easy.”- Former Client -
“Dean knows how to win your case and be there for you.”
“Dean is very personable, accessible and dedicated.”- Former Client -
“Dean is an outstanding attorney to have at your side.”
“Dean explained the entire process to me and what to expect during my case.”- Former Client -
“Dean took care of my situation to the best of his ability.”
“When I hired the Law Offices of Dean Petrulakis, I received more than what I imagined.”- Former Client -
“Dean is amazing and very professional!”
“Dean will do everything in his power to get the results you want.”- Former Client
