What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in California

The driver who hit you is gone before you even get your bearings, and now you're left with a damaged car, possible injuries, and a dozen questions about who's going to pay for any of it. Hit-and-run accidents happen more often in California than most people realize, and the law gives you options even when the at-fault driver is never found.

Is Leaving the Scene of an Accident Illegal in California?

Yes. Under California Vehicle Code sections 20001 and 20002, every driver involved in a collision must stop and exchange information, and must render reasonable aid if anyone is injured. Fleeing the scene is a crime, not just a traffic violation.

• Hit-and-run causing injury or death (VC 20001) is a "wobbler" that can be charged as a felony, with penalties including state prison time.
• Hit-and-run involving only property damage (VC 20002) is typically a misdemeanor, but it still creates civil liability for the damage caused.

A driver who flees doesn't escape financial responsibility — they just make it harder to hold them accountable, which is where an experienced hit-and-run lawyer in California can help track down coverage and evidence.

Immediate Steps After a Hit-and-Run

What you do in the first hours and days can make or break a later claim.

1. Get safe and call 911. Report any injuries immediately and request police and paramedics if needed.
2. Write down everything you remember about the other vehicle — color, make, model, partial license plate, direction of travel, and any distinguishing features.
3. Look for witnesses and cameras. Nearby businesses, homes with doorbell cameras, and traffic cameras often catch more than you did.
4. File a police report. This creates an official record that insurers and courts will rely on later.
5. Photograph the scene, your vehicle, and your injuries before anything is repaired or evidence fades.
6. Seek medical care right away, even if you feel "okay." Adrenaline masks pain, and a documented exam ties your injuries to the crash date.
7. Notify your own insurance company promptly, since most policies require timely reporting to preserve coverage.

Do You Have to Report a Hit-and-Run to the DMV?

If the crash caused an injury, a death, or more than $1,000 in property damage, California law requires you to file an SR-1 Report of Traffic Accident with the California DMV within 10 days — separate from any police report. Skipping this step can jeopardize your driving privileges and complicate an insurance claim, so don't assume the responding officer's report is enough.

Who Pays When the At-Fault Driver Can't Be Found?

This is the question that worries most hit-and-run victims, and the honest answer is: it depends on your coverage.

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

California treats an unidentified hit-and-run driver as an "uninsured motorist" for insurance purposes. If you carry uninsured motorist coverage — which insurers must offer on every auto policy in the state — it can pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering even though the other driver was never caught. There are usually conditions, including reporting the accident to police within 24 hours and to your insurer promptly, so timing matters.

Collision Coverage

If you have collision coverage, it can pay for vehicle repairs regardless of fault, though you'll likely owe your deductible unless the driver is later identified and the claim is subrogated.

If the Driver Is Later Identified

Sometimes a hit-and-run driver is found through witness tips, security footage, or license plate readers. If that happens, you may also have a direct personal injury claim against them and their insurer, in addition to any UM benefits already paid.

What Compensation Can Cover

Depending on the coverage available and the facts of your case, compensation in a hit-and-run claim can include:

• Medical expenses, both current and reasonably anticipated future care
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family, in fatal cases

Every case is different, and no attorney can ethically promise a specific dollar outcome before reviewing your policy, the evidence, and the extent of your injuries.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

California's general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). If a government vehicle or entity was somehow involved, that window shrinks dramatically to six months to file an administrative claim. Uninsured motorist claims are also subject to notice and filing deadlines under your policy and California Insurance Code § 11580.2, which can be shorter than you expect. Because these deadlines interact in ways that trip up unrepresented claimants, it's worth having a lawyer confirm exactly which clock applies to your situation as soon as possible.

If your case involved a pedestrian, pedestrian accident rules on fault and right-of-way may also come into play, and if it involved catastrophic injuries, our catastrophic injury team can help evaluate long-term care needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a hit-and-run accident?

Call 911, get medical attention, document the scene and any witnesses, file a police report, and notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Preserving evidence early gives your claim the best chance of success.

Can I still get compensation if the other driver is never found?

Often, yes. Uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy is specifically designed to step in when the at-fault driver can't be identified or has no insurance.

Do I have to report a hit-and-run to the DMV as well as the police?

Yes, if the crash caused injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage, California requires a separate SR-1 report to the DMV within 10 days.

What if I can't remember much about the other car?

Give the police whatever details you can, even partial ones. Investigators can sometimes identify a vehicle from a partial plate, paint transfer, or debris left at the scene, and nearby camera footage often fills in gaps.

How much does it cost to hire a hit-and-run accident lawyer?

Personal injury cases at our firm are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning there's no upfront cost and no fee unless we recover compensation for you.

Get Help After a Hit-and-Run Accident

You shouldn't have to fight your own insurance company alone while recovering from an accident you didn't cause. If you or a loved one was hurt in a hit-and-run in California, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis — no fee unless we win — and we represent clients across California. Learn more about our personal injury practice areas or reach out today to protect your rights.