HIT & RUN ACCIDENT LAWYERS
Trusted Hit & Run Accident Lawyers in LA
Legal Protection for Victims of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Being injured in a hit-and-run accident is overwhelming—especially when the at-fault driver disappears.
Even if the driver is never identified, California law may still allow you to recover compensation through uninsured motorist coverage. Our Los Angeles hit-and-run accident lawyers act quickly to protect your rights and pursue every available source of recovery.
Trusted
Hit & Run Accident Lawyers
in Los Angeles
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If you were injured in a vehicle accident or personal injury incident, call us at (213) 383-1111 or (323) 313-9242 or, complete the form below for a free consultation. Our team will contact you shortly.
Hit-and-Run Accidents Under California Law & Los Angeles Trends
Under California Insurance Code § 11580.2, a hit-and-run driver is legally classified as an “Uninsured Motorist.” Under California Vehicle Code § 20001, failing to stop at the scene of an accident (Hit-and-Run) resulting in injury or death is a serious felony. Under Los Angeles Department of Transportation. (2025) (See L.A. Dept. of Transp., Vision Zero Safety Study: 2024-2025 Update (2025), Vision Zero Safety Study: 2024-2025 Progress Report in Los Angeles, CA., a distinguishing and alarming trend in LA is the surge in hit-and-run incidents, which have increased by 23% over recent years.
Why Hit-and-Run Cases Are So Challenging for Victims
A hit-and-run accident is a traumatic event that leaves victims feeling helpless and overwhelmed. Under the NHTSA, LAPD, and AAA Foundation, Hit-and-run incidents are rising in severity across the United States. While overall traffic fatalities saw a slight decline in 2024, the percentage of accidents involving a fleeing driver remains at a historic high. For victims, the legal challenge is two-fold: identifying the perpetrator and navigating the unique “Uninsured Motorist” (UM) requirements of California law.
In California, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime, yet thousands of drivers flee every year to avoid responsibility. At My Accident Lawyers, we specialize in investigative claim to identify fleeing drivers and maximize recovery through Uninsured Motorist (UM) claims.
Strict Requirements for UM Hit-and-Run Claims:
- Physical Contact: California law generally requires actual physical contact between the vehicles (to prevent “phantom vehicle” fraud).
- 24-Hour Reporting: You must report the accident to the police within 24 hours.
- 30-Day Insurance Notice: You must formally notify your insurer of the UM claim (usually within 30 days).
While the police are often overworked, our firm takes proactive steps to track down fleeing vehicles:
Independent Investigations That Go Beyond Police Reports
- Canvassing for Video: We immediately secure footage from Tesla Sentry Modes, Ring doorbells, and business surveillance cameras.
- Witness Interviews: We track down bystanders who may have caught a partial license plate or vehicle description.
- Forensic Analysis: We analyze paint transfers and debris left at the scene to identify the make and model of the fleeing car.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA, 2025), approximately 25% of all fatal pedestrian accidents in the U.S. are hit-and-runs. In these cases, the vehicle that struck the pedestrian was the fleeing vehicle 94% of the time. California continues to record the highest number of pedestrian and cyclist hit-and-run fatalities in the country. In 2024, Los Angeles County alone saw over 58,000 injury-causing crashes, a significant portion of which involved a driver fleeing the scene Reports from the LAPD (2025) indicate that fewer than 2% of hit-and-run reports lead to an arrest. This underscores the necessity for victims to have a legal team that conducts independent private investigations rather than relying solely on police resources.
Don’t let a “phantom driver” leave you with a mountain of debt. Our team knows how to navigate the complex world of UM arbitration and private investigation.
Hit & Run Accident: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Critical Questions About Hit-and-Run Accidents in California
Hit-and-run accidents leave victims facing uncertainty, unanswered questions, and immediate legal deadlines.
The answers below address what to do after a hit-and-run, how compensation works when the driver is never found, and why legal guidance is often critical to protecting your claim.
Your safety and gathering evidence are the top priorities.
• Call 911: Report the accident to the police immediately. A police report is crucial for your insurance claim.
• Document Everything: Write down the car’s make, model, color, and license plate number if possible. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the damage to your vehicle.
• Identify Witnesses: Collect contact information from anyone who saw the accident.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries (like whiplash or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms immediately.
Yes. In California, if the at-fault driver cannot be identified, you can typically recover damages through your own auto insurance policy under Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage. This coverage is designed to pay for your medical bills and lost wages when the other party is unknown or uninsured.
According to the California Insurance Code, an insurance company cannot increase your premiums for an accident where you were not at fault. Since a hit-and-run involves another party fleeing the scene, filing a UM claim should not affect your rates under most circumstances in California.
If the driver is found, or through your UM coverage, you may be entitled to:
- Medical Expenses: Past and future hospital bills, surgeries, and physical therapy.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle.
- Punitive Damages: If the driver is caught, you may be able to seek additional damages to punish their reckless behavior (fleeing the scene).
Yes. The Statute of Limitations for personal injury in California is generally two (2) years from the date of the accident. However, if you are filing an Uninsured Motorist claim with your own insurance, the timeline and notice requirements may be shorter depending on your policy. It is vital to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts for hit-and-run claims by questioning the validity of the accident or the extent of your injuries. A lawyer will:
- Conduct an independent investigation to help identify the runner.
- Handle all communications with insurance adjusters.
- Ensure you receive the maximum settlement for both economic and non-economic damages.
Contact a Trusted Car Accident Attorney in Los Angeles Today
Get the Compensation You Deserve—With Experienced Legal Representation on Your Side
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to seek legal representation.
At My Accident Lawyers, we have a proven record of success helping injured clients recover the compensation they deserve.
Our Los Angeles car accident attorneys are available 24/7 to provide immediate guidance, handle insurance companies, and protect your legal rights—so you can focus on your recovery.
Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.
Free Consultation • No Fees Unless We Win
Contact Us
Trust our experienced vehicle accident and personal injury legal team, serving clients throughout California and handling select out-of-state cases, and receive a free consultation on your legal matter. You can contact us by phone or through the Contact Form to discuss your case at no cost.
Office
3580 Wilshire Blvd Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Business hours
Mon- Sat. : 8 am - 5 pm, Sun: Closed
Phone (24 hours/ 7 days)
213-383-1111
Phone (24 hours/ 7 days)
323-313-9242