Hit and Run Accidents in Los Angeles
If you were injured in a hit-and-run in Los Angeles or elsewhere in California, you still have options to recover for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This guide covers reporting, evidence, and insurance recovery with a California focus.
What to Do Right After a Hit and Run
Call 911, get to safety, and note any details about the fleeing vehicle (color, make, partial plate, direction). Get names and contact info of witnesses. Seek medical care even if you feel okay—delayed pain after a car accident is common. File a report with the California Highway Patrol or local police; a police report supports your claim and may help locate the driver.
Recovering When the Driver Is Unknown
California requires uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. If the at-fault driver is never found, your own policy’s UM coverage can pay for your injuries and damages. An experienced LA injury lawyer can help you navigate the claim and push back if the insurer delays or undervalues it. See uninsured motorist coverage and uninsured motorist claims in California for more.
Why a Lawyer Helps in LA Hit-and-Run Cases
Hit-and-run claims often involve UM or underinsured motorist (UIM) claims, evidence preservation, and dealing with your own insurer. A Los Angeles car accident lawyer can gather evidence, handle the insurance process, and fight for full value. When to call a lawyer after an accident is often as soon as you’re safe and have reported the crash.
FAQs
Is a hit and run a crime in California?
Yes. California Vehicle Code § 20001 requires a driver involved in an injury accident to stop, provide information, and render aid. Leaving the scene is a crime and can support a civil claim.
What if the hit-and-run driver is never found?
You can still recover through your own uninsured motorist coverage. Your insurer steps into the role of the at-fault party for purposes of your injury claim, up to your UM limits.
Do I need to report a hit and run to the police?
Yes. Reporting creates an official record, can help with locating the driver, and is typically required by your insurer before it will pay a UM claim.
How long do I have to file a hit-and-run claim in California?
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury. UM claims are also subject to contract notice and proof requirements in your policy.
Related reading: what to do after a car accident in California, auto accidents, and comparative negligence in California.