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What Happens If the Other Driver Leaves the Scene of the Accident?

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What Happens If the Other Driver Leaves the Scene of the Accident?

Car accidents can be overwhelming, even when all parties involved remain at the scene. But when the other driver flees before exchanging information or waiting for law enforcement, it becomes an entirely different type of crisis. These types of incidents—commonly known as hit-and-run accidents—can leave you feeling angry, confused, and unsure of your legal options. At HHJ Trial Attorneys, we help victims of hit-and-run accidents throughout San Diego navigate the legal aftermath and seek the compensation they deserve.

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Defense offered $350,000 before trial

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$2.6 Million

Defendants offer was $150,000 before trial. We got 17 times the offer at trial for our client.

$1,000,000

Offered $150,000 before trial

$18 Million

Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents in California

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision—whether it’s with another vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, or even property—leaves the scene without stopping to provide information or offer assistance. Under California Vehicle Code § 20001 and § 20002, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident, especially if someone was injured or property was damaged.

Fleeing the scene can lead to both criminal charges and civil liability. Depending on the circumstances, a hit-and-run driver may face misdemeanor or felony charges, particularly if injuries or fatalities occurred. However, even if the other driver faces criminal penalties, that doesn’t always guarantee that you, as the victim, will receive compensation. That’s where civil claims—and legal support from firms like HHJ Trial Attorneys—come in.

Steps You Should Take Immediately After a Hit-and-Run

If the other driver leaves the scene, your priority should be safety and documentation. First, make sure you and your passengers are okay. Call 911 to report the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage.

While waiting for the authorities, gather as much information as possible:

Try to remember details about the fleeing vehicle: make, model, color, license plate number (even partial), or any unique identifying marks.
Look for witnesses who may have seen the accident and can provide statements or photos.
Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, any debris on the road, and the general accident scene.

Law enforcement will file an official police report, which is crucial for both insurance and legal purposes. In some cases, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras may also help identify the at-fault driver.

Can You Still Get Compensation If the Other Driver Is Unknown?

Yes. If the other driver cannot be identified or located, you still have potential options for recovering compensation. California requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage unless they’ve rejected it in writing. If you have this coverage, it can step in to cover medical bills, property damage, and other expenses when the at-fault driver is uninsured or unknown, such as in a hit-and-run.

You may also have additional coverage under your policy, such as:

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
Collision Coverage
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Navigating your insurance policy after a hit-and-run can be complicated. Insurance companies are often quick to minimize payouts, even to their own policyholders. That’s why it’s important to speak with a personal injury attorney who can review your policy, handle communications, and fight for your rightful compensation.

What If the Police Find the Fleeing Driver Later?

If law enforcement is successful in tracking down the hit-and-run driver, they may face criminal prosecution. From a civil perspective, you may now be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit directly against the at-fault party. A successful claim could result in compensation for:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Vehicle repairs or replacement
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

Even if the driver is found but doesn’t have insurance or sufficient assets, your uninsured motorist coverage may still apply as a secondary source of compensation. At HHJ Trial Attorneys, we evaluate every legal avenue to ensure no opportunity for recovery is overlooked.

How HHJ Trial Attorneys Can Help Victims of Hit-and-Run Accidents

Being left alone at the scene of a crash can feel like a second violation—first, the crash, and then the abandonment. At HHJ Trial Attorneys, we understand the emotional, physical, and financial burden hit-and-run victims carry. Our experienced team will work quickly to:

Investigate the accident thoroughly
Gather witness statements and camera footage
Work with law enforcement on the search for the fleeing driver
Analyze your insurance policy and handle your claim
File lawsuits if necessary to seek maximum compensation

We don’t just handle paperwork—we fight for justice, even when the other party tries to run from it.

A hit-and-run accident can be one of the most unsettling types of collisions. But even if the other driver leaves the scene, you are not without recourse. With the support of a skilled legal team like HHJ Trial Attorneys, you can protect your rights, explore your insurance options, and hold the responsible party accountable—whether they’re identified or not.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit-and-run accident in San Diego, don’t wait. Contact HHJ Trial Attorneys today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery.

What Happens If the Other Driver Leaves the Scene of the Accident?

Trusted And Recommended

Free Case Evaluation - No Fees Until You Win!

HHJ Trial attorneys

5.0

1000+ Google reviews

What Happens If the Other Driver Leaves the Scene of the Accident?

Settlements
& Verdicts

$10 MILLION

$2 MILLION

$1,000,000

$2.6 Million

$1,000,000

$18 Million

Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents in California

Steps You Should Take Immediately After a Hit-and-Run

Can You Still Get Compensation If the Other Driver Is Unknown?

What If the Police Find the Fleeing Driver Later?

How HHJ Trial Attorneys Can Help Victims of Hit-and-Run Accidents

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We Handle All San Diego Personal Injury Case Types

AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS

OTHER ACCIDENTS

WRONGFUL DEATH

CATASTROPHIC INJURY

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Michael Hernandez

Adam Hepburn

Eliott Jung

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