Most drivers know what to do after a collision—stop, exchange details, call for help. But when the other driver speeds off, you’re left in the aftermath with no name, no insurance information, and no accountability. Hit-and-run crashes aren’t just reckless—they’re life-disrupting.
In California, the numbers paint a grim picture. Fatal hit-and-run crashes have been climbing for over a decade. The state consistently ranks among the highest in the country for these incidents. Vulnerable road users suffer the most: in 2021, more than 1 in 5 pedestrian and bicyclist deaths involved a driver who fled the scene.
Being struck by a driver who flees the scene creates chaos—no contact information, no insurance exchange, just unanswered questions. But your next steps matter. Preserving evidence, filing a timely police report, and working with an experienced hit and run lawyer can help you pursue compensation and uncover who’s responsible. Here’s what to do immediately after the crash.
Who Is Liable in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
In a hit-and-run accident, the fleeing driver is obviously at fault. The fact that they left the scene of an accident makes them liable for any damages. However, locating the at-fault driver is often difficult or impossible.
Every state has different rules that determine what happens in this situation. In some states, uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory for every driver. In this case, hit-and-run accidents are handled like accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists. Your insurance will cover the costs that the “John Doe” driver should’ve covered.
Even when the other motorist is unknown, it is sometimes necessary to file a lawsuit to get total compensation for your claim. While your insurance company is required to cover you, the process is not automatic. You still have to prove that the accident wasn’t a result of your negligence. They will want to ensure that you were indeed the victim, even if you were a motorcyclist.
Steps To Take Following a Hit-and-Run
There are some steps to take immediately after a hit-and-run crash. Every second counts, and wasting time could complicate the situation. Here’s what to do in the event of a hit-and-run accident.
1. Ensure Your Safety
First, make sure neither you nor any other passengers have any wounds. Health insurance is crucial in covering medical expenses resulting from an accident. Before doing anything else, dial 911 if someone is hurt. You’ll need an ambulance if you or anyone else gets hurt. Try your best to stay calm to make the best decisions quickly.
2. Note Important Details
Record the license plate number of the hit-and-run car or snap a picture if possible. It’s crucial to have written documentation so you aren’t solely relying on recollection. You may need a vivid description of the other driver when the authorities arrive. But it’s okay if you can’t catch their face. Ask any nearby witnesses if they would be willing to speak with the authorities and get their contact information.
3. Call The Cops
We understand it may be difficult to react if you’re confused or in shock—no pressure, but the sooner, the better. Call the police and make a police report. Inform the authorities about the situation and let them know it was a hit-and-run. In some states, those who have been hit-and-run must file a report within 24 hours. You may not be thoroughly familiar with the laws of your state. That’s why you must get legal help as soon as possible.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
Immediately after you’re done with the authorities, contact your car insurance company. It’s easier to remember the details on the same day. If you can, try to submit a claim on the same day. If you wait too long, you may leave out essential details.
5. Speak To A Car Accident Attorney
Don’t assume you can handle the insurance company alone. Speaking to a legal professional before contacting your insurance provider is best.
Insurance Effects Following a Hit and Run
What to Do When Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident? 3 Your insurance policy may pay the bill after a hit-and-run if you have adequate car insurance coverage. States and insurance companies differ, though, in what coverage you are eligible for and how your policy handles a hit-and-run. It is important to file an insurance claim as soon as possible after the accident to ensure you receive the benefits of your coverage.
In most states, every motorist must have liability insurance to pay for any harm they may do to other people. But if the at-fault driver leaves the scene or doesn’t have insurance, you could have to pay for the damage to your vehicle. Uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for property damage and medical expenses resulting from the hit-and-run driver.
In this case, having collision coverage and medical expenses coverage will help. We call this medical payment coverage in California. Collision insurance covers damage to your car, and medical costs from an accident are paid for by medical insurance, assuming you have these coverages.
Filing A Hit-and-Run Claim
You can still get total compensation even if the other driver never gets identified. But you or whoever was injured must file a claim with their auto insurance instead of suing the at-fault driver’s auto insurance.
A hit-and-run claim is described as an “uninsured motorist claim” because the law deems it illegal for an unidentified driver to have car insurance. However, the unknown driver still owes money. If they get discovered, the insurance provider may bring legal action against them for any compensation awarded to the victim due to the claim.
How to File a Hit-and-Run Police Report Online?
What to Do When Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident? 4 Filing a police report after a hit-and-run accident is crucial for legal and insurance purposes. Many police departments, like the Los Angeles Police Department, now offer online reporting options, making it more convenient to report incidents. Here’s how to file a hit-and-run police report online with the LAPD:
- Visit the LAPD Online Reporting System: Go to the LAPD Online Reporting System website. You can find this by searching for “LAPD Online Reporting” in your preferred search engine.
- Select the Hit and Run Option: Navigate to the section for hit and run incidents and click on the corresponding option to file a report.
- Provide Incident Details: Follow the prompts to provide details about the hit and run incident, including the date, time, and location of the incident, as well as any available information about the vehicle that fled the scene.
- Provide Personal Information: You may be asked to provide your personal information, such as your name, contact information, and driver’s license number.
- Submit the Report: Once you have provided all necessary information, submit the online report through the LAPD’s system.
- Receive Confirmation: After submitting the report, you should receive a confirmation that your report has been received. Note any reference number or confirmation details provided for your records.
- Follow Up if Necessary: If additional information or assistance is needed, the LAPD may contact you for further details. Otherwise, monitor your email or the online reporting system for updates on your report.
If you need assistance navigating the legal aspects of a hit-and-run incident, remember that Bojat Law Group is here to help. Our experienced team can provide guidance and support to ensure your rights are protected. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance with your case.
Call Bojat Law Group: Your Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, you must understand your rights as an accident victim. To protect your legal rights, you must file a personal injury claim, seek medical treatment, and contact an experienced attorney to represent your best interests.
It’s crucial to consult a car accident lawyer as soon as you can to make sure you don’t give up any rights to financial compensation for your injuries. The legal practitioners at Bojat Law Group, APC, have years of combined expertise in handling personal injury cases. Schedule a call with us to turn your situation around.
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