A car accident is stressful enough, but when the other driver speeds away without stopping, it can leave you feeling frustrated, angry, and unsure of what to do next. Hit-and-run accidents are a serious crime in California, and victims often face significant challenges when seeking compensation for their injuries and damages.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents
Under California law, drivers involved in an accident, regardless of fault, must stop, provide identifying information, and offer aid if someone is injured. Failing to do so can lead to criminal charges. You can read more about California’s hit-and-run laws in the California Vehicle Code Section 20001-20002 here:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes.xhtml
Common scenarios for hit-and-run crashes include:
- A driver hitting another vehicle and fleeing the scene
- Striking a parked car without leaving contact information
- Colliding with a pedestrian or cyclist and failing to stop
Why Drivers Flee the Scene
Some common reasons drivers commit hit-and-run include:
- Driving without insurance
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Having a suspended or revoked license
- Fear of arrest due to outstanding warrants
- Attempting to avoid financial liability
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, quick action can help protect your rights:
- Call 911 immediately and report the accident
- Get medical help for any injuries
- Write down or record any details you remember about the fleeing vehicle (color, make, model, license plate)
- Look for eyewitnesses and gather their contact information
- Take photos of the damage, injuries, and surrounding area
- Check for nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured the incident
- Notify your insurance company
- Contact a California hit-and-run accident lawyer
Compensation in Hit-and-Run Cases
If the fleeing driver is not found, you may still be able to recover damages through:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage – which can pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) – to cover medical expenses regardless of fault
The California Department of Insurance provides more details on UM coverage here: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-auto/UMUIM.cfm
How Hillstone Law Can Help
At Hillstone Law, we understand the frustration and hardship caused by hit-and-run accidents. Our team works to locate the at-fault driver when possible, pursue all available insurance coverage, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in California, don’t face the process alone.
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Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
