What Happens If the Other Driver Flees the Scene in California

What Happens If the Other Driver Flees the Scene in California

Being injured in a car accident is stressful enough. When the other driver takes off instead of stopping to help, the situation becomes even more frightening. Hit and run accidents happen every day in California, and many victims are left wondering whether they can still recover compensation.

If the other driver fled the scene, you may still have options. What you do next matters.

What Is Considered a Hit and Run in California

In California, a driver is legally required to stop after any accident involving injury, death, or property damage. Leaving the scene without providing information or assistance is a crime.

A hit and run can involve:
• A vehicle striking another car
• A driver hitting a pedestrian or cyclist
• A parked car being damaged
• An accident with injuries where the driver flees

Whether the accident seems minor or serious, fleeing the scene is illegal.

What to Do Immediately After a Hit and Run Accident

Your safety comes first. If you are injured, call 911 right away.

If you are able, try to gather as much information as possible:
• The vehicle’s make, model, and color
• Any portion of the license plate number
• The direction the driver fled
• Photos or videos of the scene
• Contact information for witnesses

Do not chase the other driver. Let law enforcement handle the investigation.

Always File a Police Report

A police report is critical in hit and run cases. It documents what happened and creates an official record that insurance companies rely on.

Even if you do not have much information about the fleeing driver, file a report as soon as possible. Delays can hurt your claim.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If the Driver Is Never Found

Yes. Many hit and run victims assume they are out of options if the driver is not identified. That is often not true.

In California, uninsured motorist coverage may apply when a hit and run driver cannot be identified. This coverage can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other accident related damages.

Insurance companies often challenge these claims, which is why legal guidance is important.

What If the Hit and Run Driver Is Later Identified

If law enforcement identifies the driver, their insurance may become responsible for your damages. In some cases, additional legal action may be necessary if coverage is denied or insufficient.

An attorney can help pursue all available avenues of compensation and protect you from unfair insurance tactics.

Why Hit and Run Cases Are Challenging

Hit and run claims are more complex than typical car accident cases. Insurance companies often:
• Question whether contact occurred
• Dispute the severity of injuries
• Delay investigations
• Attempt to minimize payouts

These cases require careful handling and fast action to preserve evidence and meet deadlines.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in California

In most car accident cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, insurance deadlines and notice requirements may be much shorter.

Waiting too long can limit or eliminate your ability to recover compensation.

Why You Should Speak with a Lawyer Right Away

If the other driver fled the scene, you should not try to handle the situation alone. An experienced personal injury lawyer can:
• Coordinate with law enforcement
• Identify all available insurance coverage
• Handle communications with insurers
• Protect your rights from the start
• Pursue the full value of your claim

Early legal involvement often makes the difference in hit and run cases.

Call 911 Legal Team Today

If you were injured in a hit and run accident in California, you still have options. Do not let a fleeing driver or an insurance company leave you without answers.

Call 911 Legal Team today to speak directly with a California personal injury attorney. We will review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward justice.

911 Legal Team
California Personal Injury Lawyers
Call now and protect your rights.

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