Hit by a driver who fled the scene? You may still be able to recover compensation, even if police never find the driver. Our Los Angeles hit-and-run accident lawyers help drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists use every available source of recovery. Free consultation 24/7. Call (855) 339-8879. Se habla español.

Hit-and-Run Is a Crime in California

California Vehicle Code § 20001 requires any driver involved in a crash that injures or kills someone to stop, give aid, and share their information. Leaving the scene can be a felony. A criminal case is separate from your injury claim, but a police report and investigation can help prove what happened.

How You Can Recover When the Driver Is Unknown

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. California treats an unidentified hit-and-run driver as uninsured. If you have UM coverage on your own auto policy, it may pay for your injuries (Insurance Code § 11580.2). UM coverage can also protect you as a passenger, and in many cases as a pedestrian or cyclist.

Strict requirements apply. For an unidentified hit-and-run driver, the policy generally requires:

• Contacto físico between the hit-and-run vehicle and you or the vehicle you were in
• A report to police within 24 hours of the crash
• Notice to your insurance company within 30 days

Missing these steps can put the claim at risk, so act quickly.

If the driver is found. If police identify the driver, you can bring a claim against that driver and their insurance. If their coverage is too low, your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may help.

Other sources. Depending on the facts, health insurance, medical payments (MedPay) coverage, a household member’s auto policy, or the California Victim Compensation Board may help with some losses.

UM Claims Are Against Your Own Insurer

Even though you pay for UM coverage, your insurance company will try to pay as little as possible. UM disputes usually go to arbitration instead of a jury trial. California law generally requires you to settle, file a lawsuit, or formally demand arbitration within dos años of the crash. A lawyer can handle the claim and the arbitration for you.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run

1. Call 911 and get medical care.
2. Report the crash to police right away, and no later than 24 hours.
3. Write down anything you remember: partial plate, color, make, model, damage, direction of travel.
4. Look for cameras. Businesses, doorbells, traffic cameras and buses may have video, but footage is often erased within days.
5. Get witness names and phone numbers.
6. Photograph your injuries, the scene, debris and vehicle damage.
7. Notify your insurer within 30 days, but talk to a lawyer before giving a recorded statement.

Compensation You May Recover

• Medical bills and future treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning ability
• Dolor y sufrimiento
• Vehicle repair or replacement (property damage coverage varies by policy)
• Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one

Every case is different. What you can recover depends on your injuries, the available coverage and other factors.

Pedestrians and Cyclists

Pedestrians and cyclists are frequent hit-and-run victims in Los Angeles. If you own a car, your UM coverage may follow you even when you were walking or biking. If you don’t own a car, a household family member’s policy may apply. We can review every policy that might cover you.

Why Call Downtown LA Law Group

Downtown LA Law Group represents injury victims across California from our office at 540 S. Santa Fe Ave. in downtown Los Angeles. We move fast to preserve video and evidence, handle your insurance claim, and explain your options in English or Spanish. Ask us how our contingency fee and case costs work during your free consultation.

Hit-and-Run FAQs

What if the driver is never found?

You may still recover through your uninsured motorist coverage, as long as the policy’s requirements are met.

Will my premiums go up if I use UM coverage?

California generally prohibits insurers from raising premiums for accidents where you were not at fault.

Do I need a lawyer for a UM claim?

You are claiming against your own insurer, which has every incentive to pay less. UM claims have strict deadlines and usually go to arbitration, where a lawyer can make a significant difference.

What if I don’t have UM coverage?

Other sources may still help, including MedPay, health insurance, a family member’s policy, or the Victim Compensation Board. Call us to review your options.

Talk to a Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Lawyer Today

Llame a (855) 339-8879 o request a free case review. Available 24/7. Se habla español.

Attorney Advertising. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.