This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, contact the Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation directly.
If you’ve just been hit by another driver in Los Angeles and they sped off before you could get their information, you’re probably feeling angry, shaken, and unsure what to do next. Hit-and-run crashes are unfortunately common in Southern California, and they can leave you with serious injuries, a damaged car, and a lot of unanswered questions.
The Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation is a California personal injury law firm that helps people injured in car accidents throughout Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and the rest of Southern California, including many hit-and-run victims. This guide walks you through what to do after a hit-and-run collision, how insurance works in these cases, and when it’s time to call Walch Law for help.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident happens when a driver causes a collision and then leaves the scene without:
- Stopping to check on the people involved
- Providing their name, contact information, and insurance details
- Waiting for law enforcement when required
In Los Angeles, hit-and-runs can happen in many ways, including:
- Rear-end crashes in freeway traffic on the 405, 101, or 5
- Side-swipe collisions during lane changes
- Drivers backing out of parking spaces and then fleeing
- Drivers who hit parked cars and leave no note
Whether you were driving, riding as a passenger, or sitting in a parked car when you were hit, leaving the scene is against the law and can make your recovery process more complicated—but not hopeless.
Step 1: Put Safety First and Call 911
Your health comes first. After a hit-and-run crash in Los Angeles:
- Check for injuries. If you or anyone else is hurt, call 911 immediately.
- Move to safety if possible. If your car is drivable and it’s safe to do so, move to the shoulder, a side street, or a nearby parking lot.
- Turn on hazard lights. Make your vehicle visible to other drivers to reduce the risk of a second collision.
Even if you think your injuries are “not that bad,” adrenaline can mask serious problems like concussions, neck and back injuries, or internal injuries. When in doubt, get checked out.
Step 2: Call the Police and Make a Hit-and-Run Report
In a hit-and-run, calling the police is especially important. A report can:
- Document that the other driver fled the scene
- Record the time, location, and basic facts of the collision
- Help support your insurance claim and any future legal case
Tell the officer:
- Where and when the crash happened
- What you remember about the other vehicle (color, make, model, partial plate, direction it went)
- How the impact occurred (rear-end, side-swipe, t-bone, etc.)
- Any pain or symptoms you’re feeling, even if they seem minor
If you’re too injured to give a full statement at the scene, you might be able to follow up later. Be honest and stick to the facts—don’t guess.
Step 3: Gather as Much Evidence as You Can
Because the at-fault driver left, any evidence you can collect might help:
- Photos and videos
- Damage to your vehicle from multiple angles
- The accident scene, skid marks, debris, nearby traffic lights or signs
- Any visible injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling, etc.)
- Witness information
- Names and contact details of anyone who saw the crash or the fleeing vehicle
- Ask if anyone captured video on their phone or dash cam
- Surveillance possibilities
- Note nearby businesses, homes, or traffic cameras that might have footage
- Write down locations so you or your lawyer can try to obtain video quickly
The more information you preserve, the easier it may be to either identify the driver or support an uninsured motorist claim if they’re never found.
Step 4: Get Medical Care Right Away
Even if you walked away from the crash, you may still have serious injuries, especially in the neck, back, shoulders, or head. In a hit-and-run, you might be tempted to “tough it out” because you’re worried about paying for treatment. That can hurt both your health and your case.
Common injuries after a hit-and-run crash include:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back and spine injuries, including herniated or bulging discs
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Fractures, torn ligaments, and soft tissue injuries
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and other chronic pain conditions
See a doctor, urgent care, or emergency room as soon as you can and follow up with recommended specialists. Keep copies of:
- Medical records
- Imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
- Prescriptions
- Bills and receipts
These records show what you went through and help support your claim for compensation.
Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company (Carefully)
Most policies require you to report a collision within a reasonable time. However, you should be careful about what you say, especially if you might later use your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
When you call:
- Provide basic facts: time, place, vehicles involved, that it was a hit-and-run.
- Do not guess about speeds or details you’re unsure of.
- Do not say you’re “fine” if you’re feeling any pain.
If they ask for a recorded statement, you can say you’d like to consult with an attorney first. This is especially important if your own policy might be the one paying your claim.
Step 6: Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage in California
In many hit-and-run cases, the at-fault driver is never identified. When that happens, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may step in as if it were the other driver’s insurance.
UM/UIM coverage can help with:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Sometimes property damage (depending on your policy)
Key points to know:
- In California, a true hit-and-run is often treated like an accident with an uninsured driver.
- Each policy is different—there may be strict rules about reporting the hit-and-run to the police and your insurer within certain time frames.
- Insurance companies, including your own, may try to minimize what they pay by disputing your injuries or how the crash happened.
This is one big reason why many people talk to a Los Angeles hit-and-run accident lawyer early in the process.
Step 7: Why Hit-and-Run Cases Can Be Worth More Than You Think
Some people downplay hit-and-run crashes as “just property damage,” especially if their car still runs. But serious injuries can develop or worsen over time, especially with:
- Neck and back trauma
- Head injuries
- Nerve and chronic pain conditions
Compensation in a hit-and-run case may cover:
- Emergency room and hospital care
- Surgery, injections, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment
- Medications and medical devices
- Past and future lost income
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
If you have a wrongful death case after a fatal hit-and-run, surviving family members may also have significant legal rights.
How the Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation Can Help
Handling a hit-and-run claim on your own can be frustrating, especially when you’re injured and dealing with your own insurance company. Walch Law can:
- Investigate the crash and look for evidence of the fleeing driver
- Collect medical records, bills, and proof of lost income
- Review your auto insurance policy and explain your UM/UIM coverage
- Work directly with the insurance adjusters so you don’t have to
- Negotiate for a fair settlement that reflects your injuries and future needs
- File a lawsuit if necessary to protect your rights and push for full compensation
The Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation has helped many injured people in Los Angeles and Southern California after serious car crashes, including hit-and-run collisions.
Deadlines: How Long Do You Have to Act?
California law places strict time limits on bringing personal injury and wrongful death claims, and there may be additional deadlines in hit-and-run and UM/UIM cases:
- Personal injury lawsuits generally must be filed within a limited number of years from the date of the crash.
- Claims involving government entities (for example, if a city vehicle is involved) often have much shorter notice deadlines.
- Your insurance policy may require that you report a hit-and-run and submit certain forms within specific time frames.
Missing a deadline can seriously damage your case or bar it entirely. Talking to a lawyer as soon as reasonably possible after a hit-and-run can help protect your rights.
You Don’t Have to Face a Hit-and-Run Alone
A hit-and-run crash can leave you feeling abandoned and powerless—someone hit you, took off, and now you’re left with the pain, the bills, and the stress. But you’re not stuck handling this on your own.
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, or anywhere in Southern California, the Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation can review your situation, explain your options, and help you understand what your claim may be worth.
Walch Law offers free consultations and typically works on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay attorney’s fees unless there is a recovery for you. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a hit-and-run crash, consider reaching out today to discuss your case and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I still have a case if the hit-and-run driver is never found?
A: Yes, you may still have a case through your own uninsured motorist coverage. Many California drivers have UM/UIM coverage that can act like the at-fault driver’s insurance in a hit-and-run. An attorney can review your policy and help you file the right type of claim.
Q: Is a hit-and-run always considered “not my fault”?
A: Not automatically, but the fact that the other driver fled is a strong sign they believed they did something wrong. Your account of the crash, physical evidence, vehicle damage, and sometimes video or witness statements all help show that you weren’t at fault. A lawyer can help organize and present that evidence.
Q: What if I didn’t feel hurt right away after the hit-and-run?
A: It’s common for pain from whiplash, back injuries, and concussions to show up hours or days later. You should see a doctor as soon as symptoms appear and mention that you were in a car accident. Delays in treatment can give the insurance company an excuse to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the crash.
Q: Will my insurance rates go up if I use my uninsured motorist coverage?
A: Every situation is different, but using UM coverage in a not-at-fault accident is not the same as causing a crash yourself. You can ask your agent how your company typically handles these claims. Many people decide it is better to use the coverage they’ve paid for than to shoulder all the costs alone.
Q: How soon should I call a lawyer after a hit-and-run accident?
A: It’s usually best to talk with a lawyer as soon as you’ve addressed your immediate medical needs. Early legal help can make a big difference in preserving evidence, meeting deadlines, and dealing with the insurance companies. The Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation offers free consultations so you can get answers before you make big decisions.