Being involved in a hit-and-run accident is a frustrating experience that many drivers have to deal with at some point. Research indicates that about 11% of serious accidents and 20% of fatal accidents involve a driver fleeing the scene. Whether your car was hit in a parking lot while you were shopping or if someone crashed into you while driving and sped away, the most important thing you need to do is stay put and call the authorities. Leaving will only make things more complicated. This blog discusses everything you need to know about your responsibilities after a hit-and-run.
Stay at the Scene and Call the Police
If you were driving at the time of the hit-and-run, your first step should be to stop your car safely in the emergency lane and make sure you’re not injured. Next, call 911 and explain what happened and where you are. If you’ve been injured, tell the operator that you need paramedics. Police and medical personnel will be sent to you, so you need to stay where you are and wait for help to arrive. Do not, under any circumstances, try to chase the driver who hit you.
Law enforcement officers need to document the incident, so leaving can jeopardize your legal standing. A formal police report is a critical piece of evidence that your insurance company will require to process your claim. Reporting the incident as soon as it happens shows that you’re taking the situation seriously and complying with state mandates.
Gather Evidence and Witness Contacts
Look around for any witnesses who may have seen the impact, and ask them for contact information and a statement. You can record voice notes on your phone to make the information easier to access. Next, take photos of everything, including the scene, your car from all angles, your injuries, the weather, road conditions, and any CCTV cameras you can see. Your attorney can subpoena footage and contact witnesses on your behalf.
Knowing the direction that the vehicle fled and having pictures of paint transfer from the other vehicle can make a significant difference in identifying the responsible driver. There is no detail too small, so don’t worry about capturing irrelevant information. Even the tiniest clue can help police find the responsible party.
Seek Medical Attention
If you were in the vehicle at the time of impact, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor or non-existent, many injuries can stay hidden for days. Going to the hospital on the day of or the day after the crash creates a record that links your injuries to the incident. Medical records play an important role in substantiating your claim and countering insurance arguments.
Report the Incident to Your Insurance Provider
Once you have seen a doctor, follow the notification requirements outlined in your policy. Report the incident immediately to protect your rights. Submit the police report or provide the officer’s badge number so your provider can request the report. Be prepared for your insurer to look for reasons not to pay you; they are protecting their bottom line.
Seeking compensation through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is the best way to secure financial support after a hit-and-run. UM coverage in California is specifically designed to handle situations like yours. Adjusters may try to offer a lower settlement than what’s needed for repairs, so working with an attorney can help you avoid undervaluation.
The Importance of Professional Legal Support
Dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run requires an understanding of California law and insurance industry practices. Experienced attorneys know how to uncover hidden evidence and counter unfair insurance tactics. Working with a legal representative allows you to focus on recovery while an expert handles your claim. Attorneys advocate for fair settlements that cover the full extent of your losses, including property damage and medical care.
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident in California, contact HHJ Trial Attorneys to schedule a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay us unless your claim is successful. Our partners have decades of experience navigating insurance disputes and the complexities of the California legal system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have To Report a Hit-And-Run in California?
You must report any accident involving injuries or more than $1,000 in damage to the DMV within 10 days. Additionally, most insurance policies require you to notify them of a hit-and-run within 24 hours to use Uninsured Motorist coverage. Contacting the police immediately after the crash is also required by law to create a formal record.
Will My Insurance Rates Go Up After a Hit-and-Run in California?
California law generally prohibits insurance companies from raising your premiums if the accident was not your fault. Because hit-and-run incidents involve a fleeing driver, you’re considered the victim of a crime and shouldn’t be penalized financially. Providing a police report to your insurer helps confirm the circumstances and can help protect your rates.
Do I Need a Police Report for a Hit-and-Run Claim?
Having a formal police report is highly beneficial and often mandatory for insurance companies to process a hit-and-run claim. A report serves as official documentation of the scene, the time, and the damage observed by an unbiased officer. Missing official documentation can lead insurance adjusters to argue that the damage occurred in a different incident.
What Happens if the Police Never Find the Person Who Hit My Car?
You can still seek compensation through your own insurance policy if you have Uninsured Motorist coverage. UM coverage is designed to pay for repairs when the at-fault driver remains unidentified. A legal professional can help you file a claim and make sure you receive the full value of your vehicle’s repairs and medical care.
Can I Get Compensation For My Injuries If The Other Driver Fled?
You’re entitled to seek medical compensation through your Uninsured Motorist bodily injury coverage if you were hurt in the accident. UM coverage applies to you and any passengers who were in the vehicle at the time of the impact. Documenting your injuries with a doctor immediately after the crash is essential for linking the medical issues to the hit-and-run.
