A hit and run accident leaves you injured, shaken, and uncertain about your next steps. California law requires drivers involved in accidents to exchange information and remain at the scene. When a driver flees, you face both physical recovery and legal challenges. The actions you take in the minutes and hours after a hit and run can affect your ability to pursue compensation. This guide walks you through the steps to protect yourself, gather evidence, and pursue your claim with Dordick Law Corporation.
Prioritize Your Safety and Medical Care
Your health comes first after any accident. Move to a safe location if you can do so without worsening your injuries. If you’re seriously hurt, stay where you are and wait for emergency responders.
Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured. Tell the dispatcher about the accident and any injuries. Emergency responders will arrive to provide medical care and document the scene. This is one of the most critical steps in any car accident case.
Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. A doctor can identify hidden injuries and create medical records linking your condition to the accident. These records can become important evidence for your claim. Keep all medical documentation, including bills, test results, and treatment notes.
Why Immediate Medical Care Matters
Medical records help establish a connection between the accident and your injuries. Insurance companies use these records to evaluate your claim. Without prompt medical attention, they may argue your injuries came from something else. Additionally, delaying treatment can worsen your condition and may reduce the compensation you can recover. This is why personal injury attorneys emphasize the importance of immediate medical documentation.
Call the police and File an Official Report
Hit and run is a crime under California law. Call 911 to report the accident to the police. Provide officers with detailed information about what happened. Under California Vehicle Code §20001, drivers involved in accidents causing injury must remain at the scene and provide information.
Tell officers the location, date, and time of the accident. Describe the fleeing vehicle, including its color, make, model, size, and any visible damage. If you saw the driver, describe their appearance. Provide the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Get the police report number before officers leave the scene. Request a copy of the full police report once it’s completed. Note the names and badge numbers of responding officers. This information helps you follow up on the investigation and obtain the report later.
The police report can serve as important evidence in your claim. It documents the accident officially and may include witness statements and officer observations. Insurance companies often rely on police reports when evaluating hit and run claims. If the driver is never identified, you may still recover damages through uninsured motorist coverage.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
Document everything while details are fresh. Take photos and videos of your vehicle from multiple angles, showing all damage. Photograph the accident scene, including road conditions, traffic signals, and nearby landmarks. Capture any visible injuries with photos. This evidence is crucial for establishing liability in your case.
Write down the exact location, date, and time of the accident. Look around for security cameras on nearby buildings or traffic lights. Note their locations since this footage may help identify the fleeing driver. Many pedestrian accidents and vehicle collisions are solved through surveillance footage.
Collect contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident. Get their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Ask them to describe what they saw. Their statements can support your version of events and strengthen your claim. Witness testimony is often critical in establishing fault.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company promptly after the accident. Report the hit and run incident and provide the police report number. Share all documentation you’ve gathered, such as photos, witness information, and medical records. Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process.
Ask your insurance agent about uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage applies when the at-fault driver is uninsured or unidentified. In hit and run cases, UM coverage often becomes a primary source of recovery since the fleeing driver is unknown. This is similar to coverage available in rideshare accidents where driver identification may be disputed.
Understand your policy limits and deductibles. Don’t accept any settlement offer without reviewing it carefully. Insurance companies sometimes offer less than your claim may be worth. Having an attorney review settlement offers can help protect your interests.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage
UM coverage may pay for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages when the at-fault driver is uninsured or unidentified. Your own insurance may cover your losses rather than the fleeing driver’s insurance. This coverage is important in hit and run cases where the responsible party is not identified.
UM coverage typically includes compensation for traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries resulting from the collision. The amount you can recover depends on your policy limits and the severity of your injuries.
Why Choose Dordick Law Corporation for Your Hit and Run Claim
Hit and run cases require legal knowledge and experience with insurance claims. Dordick Law Corporation handles these types of claims throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. Our attorneys are familiar with California Vehicle Code §20001 and §20002, which define hit and run obligations and penalties.
Our firm works with medical professionals to document your injuries. We also work with investigators who may help locate evidence and identify fleeing drivers when possible. We negotiate with insurance companies in an effort to pursue fair compensation for our clients. Our team has recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for accident victims.
We represent clients on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront. We only receive payment if we recover compensation for you through settlement or verdict. This arrangement allows clients to pursue claims without upfront legal fees. Learn about our case results and recent settlements.
We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case. During this meeting, we listen to your account, review your documentation, and explain your legal options. We answer your questions and discuss potential outcomes based on similar cases. Our experienced attorneys have handled hundreds of hit and run cases. Meet Gary Dordick, our founding attorney, and learn about our firm’s commitment to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit and Run Accidents
What is the statute of limitations for a hit and run claim in California?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a civil claim for damages. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the ability to pursue compensation. Acting promptly can help preserve evidence and protect your rights. This deadline is established under California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
Can I recover compensation if the hit and run driver is never found?
In many cases, yes. Uninsured motorist coverage may apply even when the fleeing driver is not identified. Your own insurance may cover your damages. Dordick Law Corporation can assist with presenting and handling the claim. We have successfully recovered compensation for clients in situations where the at-fault driver was never identified.
What damages can I recover in a hit and run case?
You may be able to recover medical expenses for past and future treatment, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Property damage may cover vehicle repair or replacement. You may also seek compensation for loss of enjoyment of life and other non-economic damages, depending on the circumstances. Our attorneys can help you understand the full range of damages available in your case.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run claim?
Insurance companies may undervalue claims, especially when the at-fault driver is unknown. Legal representation can help you evaluate offers and handle negotiations. Dordick Law Corporation manages negotiations and, if necessary, litigation on your behalf. Contingency fees mean no upfront costs. Many clients find that having an experienced attorney significantly increases their recovery.
How long does a hit and run case take to resolve?
Some cases with clear injuries and strong documentation may resolve in a few months. Others involving serious injuries or disputed issues can take a year or longer. Settlement negotiations may resolve sooner than trial, but timelines vary based on the facts of each case. Our team will keep you informed throughout the process.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
California follows a comparative negligence rule. You may still recover compensation even if you share some fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 90% at fault, you may still recover 10% of your damages. Dordick Law Corporation works to present evidence that supports a fair allocation of fault. Learn more about California’s comparative negligence laws.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation Today
You do not have to handle the insurance process alone after a hit and run accident. Dordick Law Corporation provides free consultations to evaluate your claim and explain your options. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Call (310) 551-0949 today to schedule your free consultation. We are available to take calls and respond to inquiries. The sooner you reach out, the sooner steps can be taken to preserve evidence and begin the claims process. Our contact page provides multiple ways to reach our team.
