The blaring horn, the screeching tires, the sickening crunch of metal—and then, inexplicably, the other driver speeds away, leaving you injured and alone at the scene. Hit-and-run accidents represent one of the most frustrating and challenging situations any accident victim can face. Not only are you dealing with physical injuries and emotional trauma, but you’re also left without the responsible party to hold accountable.
In California, approximately 7,500 hit-and-run crashes involving injuries or fatalities occur annually, leaving victims wondering about their rights and options. When another driver’s negligence causes your injuries and they flee the scene, what steps should you take to protect yourself both medically and legally?
At VIP Injury Attorneys, we’ve helped countless victims navigate the aftermath of hit-and-run accidents across California. This comprehensive guide will walk you through essential steps to take following a hit-and-run, explain your legal rights, outline potential compensation options, and provide the knowledge you need to move forward with confidence.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents: What California Law Says
California Vehicle Code Section 20001-20003 is crystal clear: it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident where someone is injured or killed. Drivers involved in accidents are legally required to:
- Stop immediately at the scene
- Provide their identifying information to others involved
- Render reasonable assistance to any injured persons
- Notify law enforcement if injuries or fatalities occurred
Despite these legal obligations, approximately 10% of all injury crashes in California involve a driver who flees the scene. Why do drivers flee? Often, it’s because they:
- Don’t have valid insurance
- Are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Have outstanding warrants
- Are driving without a valid license
- Fear immigration consequences
- Panic and make impulsive decisions
While only about 10% of hit-and-run drivers are eventually caught, those who are face severe consequences—far worse than if they had remained at the scene. In California, hit-and-run accidents involving injuries can be charged as felonies, carrying penalties of:
- Up to 3 years in state prison
- Fines up to $10,000
- Victim restitution
- License suspension or revocation
- A permanent criminal record
Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
1. Stay at the Scene
When you’ve been struck by another vehicle that flees, your first instinct might be to pursue them—this is a dangerous mistake. Under no circumstances should you chase after the fleeing driver. This could:
- Escalate a potentially volatile situation
- Lead to another, possibly more serious accident
- Constitute leaving the scene yourself, potentially complicating your claim
Remember, it’s just as illegal for you to leave the scene of an injury accident, even if you’re the injured party. Your safety and well-being must be your top priority.
2. Call 911 Immediately
After ensuring your immediate safety, call 911 without delay. The dispatcher will send both police and emergency medical services as needed. This crucial step serves multiple purposes:
- Gets you prompt medical attention for your injuries
- Creates an official police report documenting the incident
- Initiates the investigation process to potentially identify the hit-and-run driver
- Establishes an official record for insurance claims and potential legal action
Even if your injuries seem minor initially, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation. Many serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal damage, may not present immediate symptoms but can have devastating long-term consequences if left untreated.
3. Document Everything You Can Remember
In the absence of the other driver, any evidence you can gather becomes critically important. While waiting for emergency services:
- Try to recall and write down the fleeing vehicle’s license plate number (even partial information can help)
- Note the vehicle’s make, model, color, and any distinctive features
- Record any physical description of the driver you were able to observe
- Document the exact time, location, and circumstances of the accident
- Take photos of the accident scene, including skid marks, property damage, and your injuries
- Note the direction the fleeing driver headed
These details may seem insignificant in the moment, but they can prove invaluable to law enforcement in identifying the driver and to your attorney in building your case.
4. Speak With Witnesses
Witnesses can provide crucial third-party accounts of what happened and might have noticed details you missed in the chaos of the accident. If there are people who observed the collision:
- Ask for their names and contact information
- Request that they stay to speak with police if possible
- Record or write down their account of what happened
- Ask if they captured any photos or videos of the accident or fleeing vehicle
- See if they’re willing to provide a written statement
Witness testimony often proves invaluable in hit-and-run cases, sometimes providing the critical information needed to identify the driver who fled.
5. Seek Comprehensive Medical Treatment
After a hit-and-run accident, your health must be your top priority. Even if you feel “fine” or believe your injuries are minor, some serious conditions don’t manifest symptoms immediately:
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Whiplash and neck injuries
Seeking prompt medical attention serves two vital purposes: it ensures you receive proper care for all injuries, and it creates medical documentation that links your injuries directly to the accident—critical evidence for insurance claims and potential litigation.
Exploring Compensation Options After a Hit-and-Run
When the responsible driver flees the scene and isn’t identified, victims often worry they have no recourse for covering their damages. However, several potential compensation paths exist:
Your Own Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In California, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is one of the most valuable protections for hit-and-run victims. This coverage steps in when the at-fault driver is unidentified or uninsured, helping pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage (in some policies)
While not mandatory in California, UM coverage is offered with all auto insurance policies, and we strongly recommend maintaining this protection. To access these benefits, you’ll typically need to:
- Report the accident to your insurance company promptly
- Provide the police report documenting the hit-and-run
- Comply with your insurer’s investigation process
- Potentially submit to an independent medical examination
MedPay or Personal Injury Protection
Some California drivers carry Medical Payments coverage (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which pays for medical
expenses regardless of fault. These coverages can be particularly valuable after a hit-and-run, providing immediate funds for
treatment without waiting for the responsible party to be identified.
Health Insurance
Your health insurance can cover medical treatment needed after a hit-and-run accident. While you may still be responsible for deductibles and co-pays, this ensures you receive necessary care while other compensation avenues are explored.
California Victim Compensation Program
If the hit-and-run driver is eventually identified and criminally charged, you may qualify for compensation through the California Victim Compensation Program, which assists crime victims with expenses related to:
- Medical and dental treatment
- Mental health counseling
- Income loss
- Funeral expenses
- Home or vehicle modifications for disability accommodation
How an Experience Hit-and-Run Attorney can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from injuries. An attorney specializing in hit-and-run cases brings valuable expertise and advocacy to your situation by:
Conducting a Thorough Investigation
While law enforcement investigates the criminal aspects of hit-and-run cases, they’re often managing heavy caseloads. Your attorney can:
- Work with private investigators to identify the fleeing driver
- Canvas for additional witnesses
- Seek security or traffic camera footage
- Check body shops for vehicles matching the description
- Examine social media for potential leads
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies—even your own—often attempt to minimize payouts. Your attorney will:
- Handle all communications with insurers
- Ensure you don’t make statements that could harm your claim
- Compile comprehensive documentation of all damages
- Fight for maximum compensation under your policy
- Appeal denied claims when necessary
Identifying All Potential Sources of Compensation
Beyond the obvious sources, an experienced attorney may identify additional avenues for recovery, such as:
- Third-party liability (if road conditions or vehicle defects contributed)
- Dram shop liability (if an establishment over-served the driver)
- Employer liability (if the driver was on company business)
- Government liability (if road design or maintenance issues played a role)
Building a Compelling Case for Maximum Compensation
Even without identifying the hit-and-run driver, your attorney will:
- Document all economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, property damage)
- Establish the full extent of non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress)
- Project future costs related to your injuries
- Prepare your case as thoroughly as if it were going to trial
Why Choose VIP Injury Attorneys for Your Hit-and-Run Case
At VIP Injury Attorneys, we understand the unique challenges hit-and-run accident victims face. Our approach embodies our core values:
- Victory: We work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, with our “No Win, No Fee” guarantee ensuring our interests align perfectly with yours.
- Integrity: Unlike firms with flashy gimmicks and empty promises, we deliver honest, strategic representation focused on real results.
- Passion: We’re driven by witnessing how proper compensation transforms our clients’ lives after devastating accidents.
Our experienced team has successfully represented numerous hit-and-run victims throughout California, securing the resources they need to recover and rebuild. We understand the complex interplay of insurance claims, potential criminal proceedings, and civil litigation that these cases often involve.
Don’t Face This Challenge Alone
When a hit-and-run accident turns your life upside down, VIP Injury Attorneys stands ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. We understand that beyond the physical injuries, you’re dealing with emotional trauma, financial strain, and uncertainty about the future.
Let us shoulder the legal burden while you focus on healing. Our team will handle every aspect of your case, from investigation through resolution, keeping you informed and empowered throughout the process.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident in California, don’t wait to seek help. Contact VIP Injury Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explore your options.
Remember, with our “No Win, No Fee” guarantee, you pay nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf.
Even after a hit-and-run accident, you still have the right to seek justice, and an attorney may be able to help you. Don’t hesitate.
Contact VIP Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation now.