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Hit and Run Accident Attorneys in California
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Hit and Run Accident Attorneys in California
Accidents caused by drivers fleeing the scene are becoming increasingly common in California. We know it — we report them almost every day in our accident news section. In these particularly desperate (and often frustrating) situations, hit and run accident attorneys play a fundamental role. They help victims navigate the California legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence, and file civil lawsuits to pursue compensation.
We understand your frustration — how can you possibly get compensation from a driver who fled the scene? We’re not going to lie: it’s not easy. But it’s not impossible either. Megeredchian Law has the experience, skill, and determination to find a way to recover compensation for hit and run victims. And if we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Schedule a free consultation at (866) 359-0807. We’ll evaluate your case within minutes and determine if you qualify for compensation.
How Our California Hit and Run Attorneys Help Victims Recover Compensation
Getting compensation after a hit and run isn’t straightforward — but it’s far from hopeless. At Megeredchian Law, our hit and run accident attorneys combine investigative tools, insurance expertise, and aggressive legal strategy to uncover every possible source of compensation. Here’s how we do it:
- Investigating and Identifying the Driver: We work with police reports, traffic cameras, license plate readers, and eyewitness statements to help identify the at-fault driver. In many cases, we coordinate with private investigators to track down vehicles or verify ownership records.
- Using Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: Even if the hit-and-run driver is never found, our team helps you file a claim through your uninsured motorist policy — a key part of most California auto insurance plans. We ensure your insurer doesn’t underpay or deny what you’re entitled to.
- Gathering and Preserving Evidence: We collect security footage, witness statements, and vehicle damage reports immediately before they’re lost. Strong evidence is often the difference between a denied claim and a successful payout.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters often minimize hit-and-run payouts, arguing lack of evidence. Our attorneys know their tactics and use California’s insurance laws to demand full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Filing Civil Lawsuits When Needed: If the driver is located, we file a lawsuit against them directly — including potential punitive damages for fleeing the scene, which California courts allow in egregious cases.
- Coordinating Medical and Financial Support: We connect clients with medical providers who treat on liens, manage billing issues, and make sure you don’t pay out of pocket while your case is pending.
All these steps work toward one goal: helping you secure the compensation you’re legally entitled to under California law. Whether it’s through your own uninsured motorist coverage or a claim against the driver once identified, our hit and run accident attorneys build the foundation that allows insurers, courts, or both to recognize the full extent of your damages.
While no result can ever be guaranteed, our experience handling complex hit-and-run claims gives victims a real opportunity to recover the financial support they need to move forward.
California Hit and Run Laws are On Your Side!
California hit and run laws make it clear: leaving the scene of an accident is a crime — whether it involves a parked car, private property, or another person. The law requires every driver to stop, exchange information, and provide reasonable assistance if anyone has been injured or killed. Failing to do so can lead to both criminal penalties and civil liability.
Vehicle Code §20002 – Property Damage Only
Under California Vehicle Code §20002, a driver who collides with another vehicle or damages property must immediately stop and either locate the property owner or leave a written note with their name, address, and a brief explanation of what happened. Leaving without doing so is considered a misdemeanor hit and run, punishable by up to six months in jail, fines of up to $1,000, restitution for the damage, probation, and two points on the driver’s record.
Vehicle Code §20001 – Injury or Death
When a hit and run causes injury or death, it becomes a felony under Vehicle Code §20001. The driver must stop, identify themselves, and provide aid such as calling 911 or arranging medical help. Failing to do so can result in fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to three years — or four years if the victim suffers severe injury or death.
Time Limits to File a Claim
Victims also have civil rights under California law. You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim, and three years to file a property damage claim. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case, especially if the at-fault driver is later identified.
Can I Sue a Hit and Run Driver? How?
If you’re wondering, “Can I sue a hit and run driver in California?” — the answer depends on what hit and run accident attorneys can prove. Suing someone who fled the scene isn’t simple, but an experienced hit and run accident attorney knows how to investigate, identify, and hold negligent drivers accountable under California law.
1. Your Attorney Leads the Investigation
The first step is finding out who caused the crash. Your hit and run accident attorney works closely with police investigators, collects traffic-camera footage, reviews security video from nearby businesses, interviews witnesses, and analyzes any vehicle debris or paint left at the scene. This evidence can help identify the driver and connect them to the vehicle involved.
2. Building a Strong Civil Claim
Once the at-fault driver is identified, your attorney files a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for medical bills, lost income, property damage, and emotional distress. California law (Vehicle Code §20001 and §20002) clearly requires drivers to stop, provide aid, and exchange information. When they fail to do so, your hit and run accident lawyer uses these violations to establish liability and strengthen your case. In severe cases, they may also pursue punitive damages if the driver’s conduct was reckless or intentional.
3. Pursuing Compensation When the Driver Isn’t Found
If the responsible driver cannot be located, your attorney files an uninsured motorist (UM) claim through your own insurance company. This coverage applies to most California drivers and allows you to receive compensation as if the hit-and-run driver had been insured. Your lawyer for hit and run accidents manages all communication, negotiates the settlement, and challenges any lowball offers made by your insurer.
4. Meeting California’s Legal Deadlines
Under California’s statute of limitations, victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit and three years to recover for property damage. Your hit and run accident attorney ensures all claims, filings, and notices are submitted before these deadlines expire — protecting your right to full compensation.
What to do After a Hit and Run Accident in California
Knowing what to do after a hit and run accident can make the difference between a successful claim and one that gets denied. Every action you take — from calling 911 to contacting a lawyer for hit and run accidents — can help law enforcement identify the driver and strengthen your case for compensation.
1. Ensure Your Safety First
Move yourself or your vehicle out of traffic if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 immediately, even if the damage seems minor. A police report is essential for both the criminal investigation and your insurance claim.
2. Gather Information About the Fleeing Driver
If you can safely do so, write down everything you remember about the vehicle that hit you — the color, make, model, license plate number (even partial), visible damage, or unique features. If you saw the driver, note their appearance, clothing, or direction of travel. These details are critical for the police and your attorney’s investigation.
3. Document the Scene
Use your phone to take photos and video of:
- Your vehicle damage
- Skid marks or debris on the road
- Your visible injuries
- Street signs, landmarks, and traffic lights nearby
This evidence can help reconstruct how the accident happened and may reveal nearby surveillance cameras.
4. Identify Witnesses and Cameras
If anyone stopped to help, ask for their names and contact information. Witness statements are often decisive in proving liability. Look for security cameras from nearby homes or businesses — your attorney can request this footage before it’s deleted.
5. Report the Accident
California law requires drivers to report accidents involving injury or death to law enforcement within 24 hours (Vehicle Code §20008). File a report even if you think the damage is minor — this protects your right to compensation and ensures the incident is officially recorded.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurer as soon as possible, even if the other driver is unknown. Provide only factual details and avoid admitting fault. Your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may apply in hit-and-run cases, but insurers often challenge these claims. This is where having legal representation helps.
7. Contact a Hit and Run Accident Attorney
Hit and run accident attorneys can coordinate with police investigators, gather video footage, and file claims or lawsuits on your behalf. They’ll also ensure all documents are submitted within the statute of limitations — generally two years for injuries and three years for property damage under California law.
What NOT to Do After a Hit and Run
Equally important as knowing what to do is understanding what not to do after a hit and run in California:
- Do not chase the fleeing driver. You could endanger yourself, violate traffic laws, or make your injuries worse. Let the police handle the pursuit.
- Do not leave the scene yourself. Even if you’re shaken, stay put until officers arrive. Leaving could complicate your own legal position.
- Do not delay medical care. Adrenaline can mask injuries. Get checked by a doctor immediately; medical records link your injuries to the crash.
- Do not discuss fault or make assumptions. Anything you say to other drivers, witnesses, or insurance adjusters could later be used against you.
- Do not wait to contact an attorney. Evidence like surveillance footage or eyewitness memory can disappear quickly. The sooner your hit and run accident lawyer starts the investigation, the stronger your case will be.
What If the Driver Is Never Found?
If the driver who caused your crash is never found, you can still pursue compensation under California’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This type of insurance protects victims of hit and run accidents by allowing them to file a claim through their own policy — as if the at-fault driver had been insured.
Even without identifying the driver, you may be eligible to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering. Your attorney will negotiate directly with your insurer and, if necessary, take the case to arbitration or court to secure a fair settlement.
What if Authorities Find the At-Fault Driver?
When law enforcement identifies the driver who fled the scene, your legal options expand significantly.
Your hit and run accident attorney can then move from pursuing an uninsured motorist (UM) claim to filing a third-party insurance claim or civil lawsuit directly against the responsible driver. This transition opens access to the driver’s insurance coverage and allows your lawyer to demand full accountability under both criminal and civil law.
In most cases, your attorney will first file a third-party insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, property damage, and other losses. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, your hit and run accident lawyer can strategically combine this with your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to ensure no gap in recovery remains.
If your injuries or damages exceed available insurance limits, your attorney may escalate the case by filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. This allows you to pursue additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and, in some cases, punitive damages when the driver’s conduct shows extreme negligence or willful disregard for safety.
Throughout this process, your lawyer coordinates the civil claim with the criminal investigation, using evidence gathered by law enforcement to strengthen your case and protect your rights as a victim under California law.
Types of Hit and Run Accidents We Can Help You With
Megeredchian Law offers a wide variety of hit and run accident attorney services to all kinds of victims — from drivers and passengers to pedestrians, cyclists, and families affected by fatal collisions. Our attorneys handle every stage of the process, from investigating the crash and identifying the fleeing driver to filing uninsured motorist claims and pursuing civil lawsuits when necessary.
Hit and Run Car Accidents
Victims of hit and run car accidents often face serious injuries, damaged vehicles, and uncertainty about who will pay for their losses. Our attorneys investigate every lead — from license plate fragments to witness accounts — to identify the at-fault driver and build a solid insurance or civil claim. When the driver isn’t found, we pursue recovery through your uninsured motorist coverage to make sure medical bills, lost income, and repair costs are fully addressed under California law.
Hit and Run Motorcycle Accidents
A hit and run motorcycle accident can leave riders severely injured and financially vulnerable. Because motorcyclists have less protection, even minor collisions can result in catastrophic injuries. Our attorneys gather crash scene evidence, helmet-cam footage, and medical documentation to prove liability and secure compensation through insurance or court action. We also help riders navigate denied claims and low settlement offers to ensure fair treatment from insurers.
Pedestrian Hit and Run Accidents
As the best pedestrian accident attorneys for hit-and-run cases, our team represents pedestrians who are struck by drivers who flee the scene. We collaborate with law enforcement to locate the vehicle, identify witnesses, and obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses. Even when the driver cannot be found, we help clients recover through uninsured motorist or medical payment coverage, ensuring victims receive financial relief for their injuries and recovery time.
Truck Driver Hit and Run Accidents
A truck driver hit and run accident often results in severe damage due to the vehicle’s size and weight. These cases are complex because liability can involve both the driver and the trucking company. Our attorneys investigate logbooks, GPS data, and carrier records to determine responsibility and pursue all available sources of compensation — whether through the trucking company’s insurer, the driver’s personal policy, or a civil lawsuit for negligence.
Hit and Run Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists injured in hit and run bicycle accidents face unique challenges when proving fault and recovering costs. Our firm helps victims gather GoPro footage, traffic camera video, and eyewitness reports to establish what happened. We coordinate with insurers to file uninsured motorist or personal injury claims, ensuring that injured cyclists receive fair compensation for medical care, property damage, and emotional distress.
Wrongful Death Hit and Runs
Families who lose a loved one in a hit and run deserve justice and closure. Our attorneys handle wrongful death hit and run cases with compassion and precision, working to identify the responsible party and pursue all available legal actions. Depending on the circumstances, we may recover damages for funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional suffering. While every case is unique, the average wrongful death settlement for hit and run accidents can be significant when strong evidence and experienced representation are in place.
Find Local California Hit and Run Accident Attorneys
You can hire a lawyer for hit and run accidents near you anywhere in California. If your city or region isn’t listed, don’t worry — call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 and tell us about your accident and where you live. If you qualify, we’ll ensure that an experienced hit and run accident attorney from our team is fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Southern California
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Why Do People Hit and Run?
California sees thousands of hit-and-run crashes each year — and while every situation is unique, most share one thing in common: fear. Drivers flee because they’re afraid of legal trouble, financial liability, or personal consequences. Knowing why people run helps victims and their hit and run accident attorneys understand the best legal approach for recovering compensation.
1. Driving Without Insurance
Even though California Vehicle Code §16020 requires drivers to maintain active insurance, many operate vehicles without coverage. When they cause a crash, they know they’ll face fines, license suspension, and possible lawsuits. Out of fear of financial ruin or legal consequences, they choose to escape, turning a simple accident into a criminal hit-and-run offense.
2. Fear of DUI Arrest
Impaired drivers are among the most frequent offenders in hit-and-run collisions. When alcohol or drugs are involved, many flee to avoid DUI charges under Vehicle Code §23152, which carry penalties like jail time, license revocation, and ignition interlock requirements. For victims, this is where DUI accident attorneys make a difference — pursuing civil compensation and sometimes punitive damages for reckless or intoxicated conduct.
3. Existing Legal Problems
Some drivers already have active warrants, are on probation, or face pending criminal cases. They flee to avoid arrest, knowing any police contact could send them back to jail. When these individuals are later identified, your attorney can use their record and prior offenses to strengthen your civil claim and push for maximum accountability.
4. Unlicensed or Suspended Drivers
Driving without a valid license or on a suspended one is illegal in California. These drivers fear that stopping could lead to arrest, fines, or further penalties under the California Vehicle Code. Their attempt to avoid punishment only worsens the consequences and leaves victims to face the physical and financial burden alone.
5. Panic and Emotional Shock
Not all hit-and-run drivers are hardened criminals. Some experience panic or confusion immediately after the crash and make an irrational choice to leave. While shock is a real human reaction, it’s not a legal defense. California Vehicle Code §20001 clearly requires anyone involved in an accident causing injury or death to stop and provide aid — failure to do so can result in prison time and felony charges.
6. Immigration Concerns
Some drivers — particularly those without legal immigration status — flee because they fear detention, deportation, or other immigration-related consequences. These situations complicate the recovery process, but victims still have options. A skilled hit and run accident attorney can help file uninsured motorist claims and other actions to secure compensation, even when the driver’s identity remains unknown.
7. A Reckless Split-Second Decision
Sometimes there’s no rational explanation — the driver simply makes a selfish choice to run. Whether driven by fear or disregard for others, this decision is treated as a serious crime in California. Civil courts allow victims to pursue full compensation for injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses, and hit and run accident attorneys can use every legal tool available to hold the driver accountable once identified.
8. Driving a Stolen or Borrowed Vehicle
Hit-and-run cases frequently involve drivers in stolen or borrowed vehicles. Those behind the wheel may flee to avoid arrest for vehicle theft or unauthorized use under California Vehicle Code §10851. These incidents often require additional investigation to determine who was driving and who owns the vehicle — work that an experienced attorney handles by tracing registration, surveillance, and insurance records.
9. Distracted or Reckless Driving
Texting, speeding, and other forms of distracted driving have become leading causes of California collisions. When distracted drivers realize they’ve caused a crash, they may flee to avoid charges under Vehicle Code §23103 or §23123.5, which prohibit reckless and cellphone use while driving. If found, these drivers can face not only criminal penalties but also punitive damages in civil court for their conscious disregard of safety.
10. Commercial or Company Drivers
Some hit-and-run incidents involve commercial vehicle operators who flee to avoid losing their jobs, commercial licenses, or employer discipline. In such cases, both the driver and the employer may share liability under California’s respondeat superior rule if the crash occurred during work hours. Your attorney can obtain GPS logs, dispatch data, and carrier records to prove who was responsible and ensure every liable party is pursued for damages.
Can I Get Compensation for a Hit and Run? How?
Victims often ask, “Can I get compensation for a hit and run?” — and the answer is yes, with the right legal guidance. A skilled hit and run accident lawyer follows a precise process to identify all available recovery options under California law. Here’s how it works:
1. Investigating the Accident
Your attorney begins by gathering all available evidence — police reports, photos, surveillance footage, and witness statements — to reconstruct the crash and identify the fleeing driver.
Estimated time: 1–3 weeks, depending on evidence availability.
2. Coordinating with Law Enforcement
Your lawyer communicates directly with police and traffic investigators to obtain updates on the search for the at-fault driver and access official findings. This ensures that criminal and civil efforts stay aligned.
Estimated time: Ongoing throughout the first 30–60 days.
3. Filing an Uninsured Motorist (UM) Claim
If the driver can’t be found, your attorney files a UM claim through your own insurance policy. California law allows this to compensate victims as though the hit-and-run driver had coverage.
Estimated time: 2–4 weeks to file; 1–3 months for initial insurer response.
4. Negotiating with the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts or deny responsibility. Your hit and run accident lawyer presents detailed documentation, medical records, and expert evaluations to justify full compensation for your injuries and losses.
Estimated time: 1–3 months, depending on insurer cooperation.
5. Filing a Civil Lawsuit (If the Driver Is Found)
If the at-fault driver is identified, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit seeking damages for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. In extreme cases, they may also pursue punitive damages.
Estimated time: 6–18 months, depending on court schedule.
6. Securing Settlement or Judgment
Most hit-and-run cases resolve through insurance settlements, but if negotiations fail, your lawyer is prepared to take the case to trial. The goal is to recover the maximum compensation California law allows for your injuries and financial losses.
Estimated time: 3–12 months after litigation begins.
Hit and Run Compensation Amount in California (Update 2025)
injuries, available insurance coverage, and whether the at-fault driver is identified. On average, settlements for minor injuries can range between $15,000 and $40,000, while more serious cases involving hospitalization, surgery, or long-term disability may exceed $150,000 to $500,000 when pain and suffering are included. Wrongful death claims can reach higher figures, particularly when punitive damages apply.
Disclaimer: These figures are general estimates for informational purposes only — actual compensation depends on the unique facts, evidence, and insurance coverage in each case.
What Can I Claim in a Hit and Run?
If you were injured in a hit and run, you may be entitled to several categories of compensation under California law. Your hit and run accident attorney will review the facts of your case, collect supporting evidence, and pursue every available form of recovery — whether through insurance or civil court.
Economic Damages
Economic damages represent all measurable financial losses caused by the accident. These include medical expenses such as hospital care, surgery, physical therapy, prescription costs, and rehabilitation. They also cover vehicle repair or replacement, lost wages from missed work, and future loss of earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to return to your profession.
To establish these damages, your attorney gathers every relevant document — medical bills, employment records, repair estimates, and expert evaluations — to calculate the exact financial toll. In serious hit and run cases, they may also consult life-care planners or economic experts to project long-term treatment and income losses, ensuring that every expense is factored into your claim.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible harm you’ve suffered — the pain, anxiety, and emotional distress that can’t be shown on a receipt. This category includes physical pain, post-traumatic stress, depression, loss of companionship, and diminished enjoyment of life. These damages recognize that the emotional burden of a hit and run often lasts long after the physical injuries heal.
Because these losses are subjective, your attorney builds a compelling narrative using medical reports, therapy records, and personal impact statements. California law allows juries and insurers to evaluate the severity of suffering, so a strong presentation from a hit and run accident lawyer is critical to ensure fair and meaningful compensation.
Punitive Damages
In certain cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the driver for especially reckless or malicious conduct. Examples include fleeing the scene while intoxicated, driving on a suspended license, or leaving an injured victim without calling for help. These damages are designed to make an example of the offender and discourage similar conduct in the future.
Your attorney will argue for punitive damages when evidence shows willful or conscious disregard for safety — such as police reports proving DUI or prior offenses. Although these awards are not guaranteed, they can significantly increase total recovery in cases involving extreme negligence or criminal behavior.
Wrongful Death Damages
When a hit and run causes a fatality, the victim’s family can pursue wrongful death damages through a civil claim under California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60. These damages may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of the deceased’s income and benefits, and the value of the care, guidance, and companionship the loved one provided.
An attorney representing the family collects proof of financial dependence, emotional loss, and future economic contributions to determine the value of the claim. Although no amount of money can replace a life, wrongful death compensation helps families achieve stability and hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions.
How Long Do I Have to File my Claim?
Under California’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim and three years to pursue property damage related to a hit and run.
However, if the at-fault driver is later identified, the clock may restart from the date of discovery.
Certain cases — such as those involving government vehicles or minors — follow shorter or extended deadlines. Because missing these time limits can permanently bar your right to compensation, it’s important that you contact a hit and run accident attorney as soon as possible to preserve your claim.
Experienced Hit and Run Accident Attorneys You Can Trust
Hiring a hit and run accident attorney can greatly increase your chances of receiving compensation when the at-fault driver flees. We understand if you feel that pursuing a claim in this situation seems hopeless — but with the right legal representation, it’s absolutely possible. Don’t let time pass and risk losing your right to recover the compensation you deserve to rebuild your life after the accident.
Call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 to schedule your free consultation. If we don’t recover money for you, you don’t pay us. You have nothing to lose — and everything to gain.