A hit and run crash can leave your life in pieces—and often, the person who caused it disappears without a trace. In the middle of dealing with pain, medical bills, and unanswered questions, there’s one thing many people don’t realize: in California, you only have a limited amount of time to take legal action. That’s because the statute of limitations—the legal deadline for filing a claim—is strict. And once it passes, your right to pursue compensation could be gone for good.
These cases happen more often than most people think. In fact, data from California’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) shows there were 20,605 hit-and-run injury crashes in 2022—a number that’s barely changed over the last five years. From 2018 through 2022, the state averaged more than 20,000 hit-and-run injury crashes per year. That’s tens of thousands of people hurt annually, many of them with no idea who hit them or what they’re supposed to do next.
At Bojat Law Group, our hit and run lawyers see what happens when victims wait too long or get bad advice. Some think they can’t file a claim if the driver isn’t found. Others don’t even know their own insurance might cover it. We’ve helped people in those exact situations recover money through uninsured motorist coverage, aggressive legal strategy, and fast action that kept their case alive. If you’ve been injured in a hit and run, what you do now matters more than you think.
In this article, we’ll break down how long you have to file a claim after a hit and run in California, what steps to take, and how our team can step in and fight for you—especially when it feels like no one else will.
What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run in California?
In California, a hit and run isn’t just a traffic offense—it’s a crime. A hit and run occurs when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or help anyone who may be hurt. It doesn’t matter whether the crash caused property damage or serious injury—leaving the scene is illegal.
Under California law, a driver involved in a crash must:
- Stop immediately at the scene
- Provide their name, address, and vehicle registration
- Show their driver’s license upon request
- Offer reasonable assistance to any injured parties
Failure to do so can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity of the crash. For victims, it often means being left behind with injuries, no insurance information, and an uphill legal battle.
What Is a Statute of Limitations for Hit-and-Run Cases?
The statute of limitations sets the maximum time you have to file a lawsuit after an accident. In California, the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the crash (California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1).
If your case involves a hit and run, and the at-fault driver hasn’t been identified, you can still file a claim through your uninsured motorist (UM) policy. However, most insurance companies require you to report the accident within 30 days to qualify for UM benefits.
For criminal prosecution of the hit-and-run driver, the statute of limitations may be longer—up to six years in felony cases. But for your personal injury claim, the civil deadline is what matters.
The Law Protects You, But You Are Obliged to React on Time
California law has correctly conceived the rights and obligations to maximally protect the injured party and enable him to recover the damage caused to him. Filing a personal injury lawsuit within the defined time frame is crucial to ensure you can recover losses. That is why it is very important to act as the law requires and file a lawsuit within the defined time frame so that the statute of limitations does not occur, after which you are no longer able to recover losses. You are required to act within two years to receive financial compensation for personal injury damages. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit and Run Accident?
Statute of Limitations Hit and Run: Know Your Rights 2 If you’ve been involved in a hit and run, taking these steps right away can protect your health and your legal rights:
- Call the police immediately. File a report as soon as possible. If you can, try to note the other vehicle’s make, model, color, or license plate.
- Seek medical care. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked out. Some symptoms appear hours or days later.
- Notify your insurance company. Let them know you were in a hit and run. Don’t wait more than 30 days if you plan to use UM coverage.
- Talk to a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you file the correct paperwork, deal with insurance companies, and gather evidence to support your claim.
Compensation You are Entitled to as a Hit-and-Run Victim
Even if the at-fault driver is never found, you still have legal rights. You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
California law allows you to seek compensation through your own insurance policy if you have uninsured motorist coverage. But you must act fast and follow the proper procedures.
Filing a Claim and Seeking Compensation
1. Report to Your Insurance Company:
- Notify your insurance provider about the hit-and-run accident as soon as possible.
- Initiate the insurance claim process to seek compensation for medical costs, property damage, and other expenses.
2. Pursue a Legal Claim Against the At-Fault Party:
- If the responsible party is identified, you can file a legal action to hold the negligent party accountable.
- A personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal system and seek fair compensation for your car accident claims, including injuries, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Talk to a Hit and Run Lawyer at Bojat Law Group
If you were hurt in a hit and run, Bojat Law Group can help. Our firm handles cases throughout California, from Thousand Oaks to Los Angeles and beyond. We fight for full compensation—even when the at-fault driver disappears.
We know how to work within deadlines, use UM coverage effectively, and hold insurers accountable. You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
Our attorneys are available to evaluate your case, explain your rights, and guide you through each step of the process. Whether you were injured as a driver, pedestrian, cyclist, or passenger, we can help you pursue the compensation you need to recover.
Call Bojat Law Group today at (818) 877-4878 for a free consultation. We’ll answer your questions, evaluate your case, and protect your rights from day one.
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