Hit & Run
A subtype of Motor Vehicle Accidents
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About Hit & Run
A hit-and-run is a serious criminal offense in California. If the at-fault driver flees, you should immediately call 911, note the vehicle's license plate and description, and look for witnesses and nearby surveillance cameras. Even if the fleeing driver is not found, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) insurance. The earlier you consult an attorney, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still get compensation if the driver fled and was never found?
Usually yes. California insurers must offer Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which is designed for exactly this — a hit-and-run or uninsured at-fault driver. It can pay your medical bills and injury losses even if the driver is never identified. Finding the driver is not a precondition to recover.
What should I do right after a hit-and-run?
Call 911 and get medical care (some injuries surface later); note anything about the fleeing vehicle — plate, color, make, direction — take photos and find witnesses; and file a police report as soon as possible, which is typically required to bring a UM claim.
What is the deadline to file a hit-and-run claim in California?
Personal-injury claims generally have a 2-year deadline (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §335.1). But UM insurance claims often carry their own shorter deadlines (per your policy — sometimes notice within months), so act quickly.
What can a hit-and-run claim cover?
It can typically cover medical bills, lost wages, future treatment, and pain and suffering — depending on the injuries, the policy limits (especially your UM limit), and the strength of the evidence.
Do I have to pay upfront for a lawyer on a hit-and-run case?
Personal-injury attorneys generally work on contingency — no recovery, no fee — taking an agreed percentage of the final compensation, usually with nothing paid upfront.
General information, not legal advice.
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