Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in California

Being the victim of a hit and run accident is particularly traumatic — you’re injured, your vehicle is damaged, and the responsible driver has fled. It can feel like there’s no way to recover your losses. But there are more legal options than most people realize, and Krash Lawyers has the experience to pursue every one of them. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.

What Is a Hit and Run Accident?

Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 and 20002, all drivers involved in an accident are legally required to stop, provide their information, and render aid if needed. A hit and run occurs when a driver flees the scene after hitting another vehicle, a parked car, a pedestrian, or a cyclist. California hit and run is a criminal offense — but the criminal case and your civil injury claim are separate matters.

Your Options After a Hit and Run in California

Even when the at-fault driver cannot be identified, you are not without options:

• Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage — If you have UM coverage on your own auto policy (required to be offered in California), you can make a claim against your own insurer for injuries caused by an unknown hit-and-run driver. This is the most common recovery path.
• Collision Coverage — For vehicle damage, your own collision coverage applies regardless of whether the other driver is identified.
• Driver Identified Later — Police investigations, surveillance footage, witness tips, and social media often identify hit-and-run drivers days or weeks after the crash. If the driver is later found, you can pursue a full claim against them and their insurer.
• Third-Party Liability — In some cases, others share liability — for example, a bar that served an intoxicated driver (dram shop liability) or a vehicle owner whose car was used without permission.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Hit and Run

The actions you take in the minutes and hours after a hit and run can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. If possible: call 911 and file a police report immediately (required for UM claims in California), note as many details as possible about the fleeing vehicle (color, make, model, partial plate, direction of travel), photograph the scene, your vehicle, and your injuries, collect contact information from any witnesses, seek immediate medical attention, and call Krash Lawyers before contacting your own insurance company.

Dealing With Your Own Insurance Company After a Hit and Run

It may seem counterintuitive that you need a lawyer to deal with your own insurer — but insurance companies, even your own, have an interest in minimizing payouts. UM claims against your own policy are frequently underpaid. Krash Lawyers handles all communications with your insurer and fights for the full policy limits you are entitled to.

Compensation Available in Hit and Run Cases

Through your UM coverage and other available avenues, hit and run victims can recover: medical expenses (emergency care, hospitalization, ongoing treatment), lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle repair or replacement, and other out-of-pocket losses. When the driver is identified, the full range of personal injury damages applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to file a police report for a hit and run UM claim in California?

Yes. California requires you to report the accident to law enforcement within 24 hours as a condition of filing a UM claim involving an unidentified driver. This is one of many reasons to call 911 immediately after any hit and run.

What if I don’t have uninsured motorist coverage?

If the hit-and-run driver is never identified and you have no UM coverage, recovery becomes more difficult — but not always impossible. We explore all potential avenues including third-party liability, property owner liability, and other coverage sources. Call us to discuss your specific situation.

What if the hit and run driver is identified after the fact?

If the driver is later identified, you can file a standard personal injury claim against them and their insurer. The two-year statute of limitations applies from the date of the accident, not the date the driver was identified — so act quickly.

Free Consultation — Hit and Run Victims Throughout California

Krash Lawyers represents hit and run accident victims throughout Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and all of California. We know every available legal avenue for recovery and will pursue each one aggressively on your behalf. Available 24/7. No fee unless we win. Call today.