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.

Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.

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.