Can You Sue Someone For a Hit And Run in California?
Yes, you can sue someone for a hit-and-run in California. If a driver hits you and leaves the scene, you can take legal action against them. This can help you get money to pay for your medical bills, car repairs, and other expenses caused by the accident.
What is classed as a “hit-and-run” accident in California?
A hit-and-run accident in California is when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to give their information or help anyone injured. Under California law, drivers must stop immediately after an accident, provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number, and show their driver’s license if asked.
They must also report the accident to local police if there are any injuries or deaths. If someone is hurt, drivers must help by calling 911 and, if needed, getting the injured person to a hospital.
Not following these rules can lead to severe consequences like fines, jail time, and losing their driver’s license.
How to sue for a hit-and-run in California
If you’re a hit-and-run victim in California, the following specific steps can help you sue the responsible driver and seek compensation for your losses:
- Identify the At-Fault Driver: One of the biggest challenges is identifying the driver who fled the scene. Start by gathering as much evidence as possible, such as witness statements, photographs, and any available video footage from nearby cameras — see more guidance below!
- Involve the Police and Private Investigators: The police’s role is critical in a hit-and-run case. Report the accident immediately, as the police will file an official report and start an investigation to find the driver.
- File a Civil Lawsuit: Once the at-fault driver is identified, you can file a civil lawsuit to seek compensation. This includes medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Consult a Torrance car accident lawyer from our firm to help seek justice.
Steps to take after a hit-and-run
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, taking the proper actions can help protect your rights and increase the chances of finding the responsible driver. Here’s what you need to do:
- Immediate Actions: Right after the accident, prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Stay at the scene—this is key. Check for injuries and call 911 if medical assistance is needed. Report the accident to the police immediately; their official report will be vital for legal and insurance claims.
- Gathering Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible to help identify the at-fault driver. Take photos of the scene, including damage to your vehicle and any other property. Look for surveillance cameras in the area that might have captured the incident. Talk to witnesses and get their contact information and statements about what they saw. This information can be invaluable in tracking down the hit-and-run driver.
- Seek Legal Support: Having expert legal support on your side after a hit-and-run accident will make everything smoother for you, from gathering evidence, handling the claim, and communicating with the insurance company.
- Reporting to Insurance: Provide them with all the details and evidence you’ve gathered. Your insurance policy may include coverage for hit-and-run incidents, such as uninsured motorist coverage, which can help with expenses while the search for the other driver continues.
Additional reading: what to do after a car accident that’s not your fault in California
What if you can't identify the driver immediately?
Identifying a hit-and-run driver can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to identify them and seek compensation:
Identifying a hit-and-run driver
- Gather Information at the Scene: Write down everything you remember about the vehicle (make, model, color, license plate number, and any distinguishing features) and the driver (gender, approximate age, clothing). If possible, take photos of the scene, your vehicle’s damage, and any other relevant details. Also ask any bystanders if they saw the incident and if they can provide any details about the vehicle or driver. Get their contact information in case they need to provide a statement later.
- Report to the Police: Report the incident to the police as soon as possible. Provide them with all the information you have gathered and get a copy of the report for your records
- Check for Surveillance Cameras: Look for any nearby businesses or traffic cameras that might have captured the incident. Contact the business owners or the city to request access to the footage.
- Social Media and Online Platforms: Sometimes, witnesses or other drivers who saw the hit-and-run might come forward with information.
- Consult with a Private Investigator: If the police are unable to locate the driver, consider hiring a private investigator who specializes in hit-and-run cases
Getting compensation if you can’t identify the driver
- Contact Your Insurance Company: If you have uninsured motorist coverage, it may cover damages and injuries resulting from a hit-and-run accident. In addition, collision coverage can cover repairs to your vehicle regardless of fault, but you will need to pay your deductible.
- MedPay Coverage: If you have medical payments coverage, it can help pay for medical expenses incurred due to the accident, regardless of fault.
- PIP Coverage can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.
- File a Claim with CalVCB: This state-run program provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes, including hit-and-run incidents. You can apply for compensation for medical bills, counseling, and other expenses.
- Legal Advice: You should still speak with a personal injury attorney to guide you through the process of seeking compensation and represent you in negotiations with insurance companies.
Additional reading: average whiplash settlement
Your rights as a victim
If you’re a victim of a hit-and-run accident, you have several rights that can help you seek justice and compensation for your losses, including your right to sue.
You can sue the at-fault driver for damages in civil court and seek compensation for various damages that can help you recover financially and emotionally from the accident. These include:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for immediate and future medical treatment related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: Income lost because of your inability to work due to injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
If the driver responsible for the hit-and-run remains unidentified, recovering damages can be more challenging. This is where uninsured motorist (UM) coverage steps in.
This coverage is part of your insurance policy and can cover your medical bills and property damage when the other driver is uninsured or unidentified. It’s important to review your insurance policy to understand your UM coverage. If you don’t have this coverage, consider adding it for future protection.
For detailed information on your legal rights and the compensation process, refer to the California Department of Insurance for guidance on handling hit-and-run accidents and insurance claims.
Additional reading: how much can someone sue for a car accident
Criminal and civil ramifications for the at-fault party
When a driver commits a hit-and-run, they can face both criminal charges and civil liabilities. The at-fault driver can be prosecuted by the state and face serious legal repercussions. These penalties depend on the severity of the accident:
- Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run: If the accident only involved property damage, the driver can be charged with a misdemeanor. Penalties can include up to six months in jail, fines up to $1,000, and points on their driving record.
- Felony Hit-and-Run: If the accident resulted in injury or death, the driver can be charged with a felony. Penalties can include significant prison time (up to four years or more), substantial fines, and a lengthy suspension or revocation of their driver’s license.
Separate from criminal penalties, the at-fault driver can also be held liable in civil court. As a victim, you can file a lawsuit to seek compensation for various damages, ranging from property repair costs to emotional distress, as discussed above.
Additional reading: wrongful death settlements in car accidents
Statistics on hit-and-run accident in CA
Hit-and-run accidents are a significant issue in California, impacting far too many victims each year:
- High Incidence Rates: According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), hit-and-run collisions are alarmingly common. In 2019, the OTS reported that hit-and-run accidents made up approximately 8% of all traffic collisions in the state.
- Fatalities and Injuries: The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that in 2019, there were over 28,000 hit-and-run collisions, resulting in more than 100 fatalities and thousands of injuries.
- Urban vs. Rural Areas: Hit-and-run incidents are more prevalent in urban areas compared to rural areas. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco see a higher number of hit-and-run cases due to denser traffic and population.
How we can help
Our dedicated San Bernardino car accident lawyers are here to provide expert guidance and support every step of the way. We specialize in handling the complexities of these cases, from gathering evidence to advocating for your rights in negotiations and court.
Let us help you manage this challenging period with compassion and expertise, ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
- Guiding You Through the Legal System: Our experienced attorneys specialize in hit-and-run cases and can guide you through every aspect of the legal process. From gathering evidence to filing a lawsuit, we ensure your rights are protected and advocated for.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: We handle communications with insurers on your behalf, ensuring you receive fair compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other damages covered by your policy.
- Maximizing Your Compensation: We meticulously calculate damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, ensuring you receive the full amount you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support you during this difficult time. Let us fight for your rights and help you move forward with confidence.
FAQs
Does insurance cover hit-and-run in California?
Yes, insurance policies in California typically include uninsured motorist coverage, which helps cover damages from hit-and-run accidents when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or is uninsured. This ensures you are financially protected in such unfortunate situations.
What if the negligent party doesn’t have insurance?
If the negligent party doesn’t have insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage can cover your medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other losses resulting from the accident. This coverage ensures you are not left financially burdened due to someone else’s negligence.
What happens if you can’t reach a settlement?
If negotiations with the insurance provider fail to reach a settlement that fairly compensates you for your damages, your next step may be to file a lawsuit. This legal action allows you to present your case in court and seek a judgment that provides the compensation you deserve.
Are there any specific laws if the vehicle struck was a parked car?
Yes, if your parked car is struck by another vehicle and the driver leaves the scene, it still constitutes a hit-and-run. You should immediately report the incident to the police and your insurance company. Gathering evidence, such as witness statements and photographs, can also support your claim.
What is the statute of limitations on a hit-and-run in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit resulting from a hit-and-run accident is generally two years from the date of the incident. It's crucial to take legal action within this timeframe to protect your rights and seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
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