Free Hit and Run Settlement Calculator in California: Estimate Your Claim
A hit-and-run accident can leave you with serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and uncertainty about your legal options. If the driver responsible fled the scene, you may wonder how much compensation you could recover for your damages.
Our free hit-and-run settlement calculator helps estimate the potential value of your claim by factoring in medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.
While this tool provides a useful starting point, no two cases are the same. Our lawyers have secured significant settlements for hit-and-run victims, helping them recover compensation even when the at-fault driver is never found.
Before making any decisions, use our hit-and-run settlement calculator to estimate your claim, then consult with our legal team for a more tailored case review. We’ll help you explore all available legal options and fight for the maximum compensation under California law.
💡 Many hit-and-run victims assume they can’t recover compensation if the driver isn’t identified. However, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, personal injury claims, and legal strategies can help you get the payout you deserve.
Using our hit-and-run settlement calculator
Our hit-and-run settlement calculator provides an estimate of your potential compensation based on economic and non-economic damages. Enter the following details to calculate your claim value:
- Medical expenses: Total medical bills incurred.
- Future medical expenses: Anticipated ongoing medical costs.
- Property damage: Costs for property repair or replacement.
- Lost income: Wages lost due to injury.
- Future lost income: Projected income loss due to prolonged recovery or disability.
- Pain and suffering multiplier: A factor representing the extent of non-economic damages, usually between 1.5 and 5.
- Your degree of fault: Adjusts the estimated total based on the percentage of how much you were at fault.
Disclaimer: The result from this calculator does not constitute legal advice and should only be used as an estimate.
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If you were injured in a hit-and-run, our Torrance car accident lawyer will help you pursue maximum compensation.
A note on the hit-and-run settlement calculator
Our calculator estimates compensation based on economic and non-economic damages, such as medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. The tool uses standard industry formulas, including the multiplier method and other calculation models, to provide an estimate based on your input.
Why the calculator provides an estimate, not a guarantee:
Insurance companies consider multiple factors when determining payouts, including liability disputes, policy limits, and medical documentation. While our California car accident settlement calculator provides an estimated range, actual settlements depend on case-specific negotiations and legal advocacy.
📌 What to do after using the calculator:
Once you receive an estimate, the next step is to consult with our legal team. Our hit-and-run lawyers will evaluate your case, handle insurance claims, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Compensation you can claim for a hit-and-run
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
- Medical expenses: Covers emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term treatment.
- Lost wages & future income loss: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may claim compensation for missed paychecks and diminished future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD, and reduced quality of life.
- Property damage: Covers vehicle repairs or replacement if your car was damaged in the accident.
- Punitive damages: If the hit-and-run driver is identified, additional damages may be awarded as a punishment for reckless behavior.
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage: If the at-fault driver is not found, your own UM policy may provide compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.
Settlement values vary based on injury severity, recovery time, and available insurance coverage. Below is an estimated range of hit-and-run settlements in California:
| Injury severity | Estimated settlement range | Key factors influencing payout |
|---|---|---|
| Minor injuries (whiplash, bruises) | $5,000 – $25,000 | Medical treatment, recovery time, pain & suffering |
| Moderate injuries (broken bones, concussion) | $25,000 – $75,000 | Rehabilitation costs, lost wages, ongoing treatment |
| Severe injuries (spinal injury, TBI) | $75,000 – $250,000+ | Long-term disability, chronic pain, impact on daily life |
| Fatal hit and run (wrongful death claim) | $250,000 – $2,000,000+ | Wrongful death damages, loss of income, emotional distress |
The actual hit-and-run compensation amount you recover depends on the specifics of your case.
Do you need a lawyer for a hit-and-run claim?
Filing a hit-and-run claim can be complicated, especially if the at-fault driver is never found. Our lawyers help maximize your settlement by negotiating aggressively with insurance companies and ensuring all damages are properly accounted for.
- Negotiating higher settlements: Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts, especially for uninsured motorist (UM) claims. Our team presents strong evidence to demand a fair settlement.
- What happens if the driver is never found? If the at-fault driver cannot be located, we help you file a UM claim through your insurance policy to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Legal representation ensures a fair payout: We investigate the accident, gather evidence, and challenge lowball offers to make sure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
⚖️ Insurance companies often lowball UM claims—our accident attorneys will fight for a fairer settlement.
Dealing with a hit-and-run claim alone can be overwhelming—let our California car accident attorney handle the legal process for you.
Factors that affect hit and run settlements in California
The amount you recover from a hit-and-run settlement depends on several key factors. Knowing these can help you set realistic expectations for your claim.
- Availability of uninsured motorist (UM) coverage: If the at-fault driver is not found, your UM policy determines how much you can recover.
- Severity of injuries: Minor injuries like whiplash may result in lower settlements, while severe trauma (e.g., spinal injuries) significantly increases compensation.
- Whether the driver was found: If the hit-and-run driver is identified, you may be eligible for additional punitive damages as a penalty for their reckless behavior.
- Witness statements & surveillance footage: Strong evidence, including security camera footage and eyewitness testimony, can help prove fault and justify a higher settlement.
- California’s comparative negligence laws: If another factor contributed to the crash, such as poor road conditions or partial fault by another driver, your settlement may be reduced.
Below is a general breakdown of potential settlement values based on insurance coverage:
| Claim Type | Estimated Settlement Range | Key Factors Affecting Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured motorist (UM) claim | $10,000 – $100,000 | Policy limits, medical costs, lost wages, availability of UM coverage |
| At-fault driver identified | $25,000 – $500,000+ | Driver’s liability insurance, available coverage, additional punitive damages |
| Underinsured motorist (UIM) claim | $20,000 – $250,000+ | Underinsured coverage, medical bills, lost wages, ongoing treatment |
| Hit-and-run with no UM coverage | $0 – $10,000+ | Limited to vehicle repairs, possible out-of-pocket expenses |
| Hit-and-run with UM coverage | $10,000 – $100,000+ | UM coverage limits, medical expenses, property damage, lost income |
Our Huntington Beach car accident lawyer fights to ensure hit-and-run victims receive fair settlements.
What to do after a hit-and-run accident
A hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps—both immediately and in the days after—can help strengthen your claim and maximize your potential settlement. Even if some time has passed, there are still ways to protect your rights and gather vital evidence.
Immediately after the accident
- Report the accident to the police: Call 911 as soon as possible. Provide details about the hit-and-run driver, vehicle description, time and location of the crash, and any witnesses. A police report is essential for insurance claims and legal action.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal trauma can take hours or days to appear. Delayed treatment can weaken your claim and give insurers a reason to reduce your payout.
- Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurer about the accident promptly. If the at-fault driver isn’t found, you may need to file an uninsured motorist (UM) claim under your policy.
After the fact – Strengthening your case
- Request the police report & 911 call records: If you’ve already reported the accident, obtain a copy of the official police report and any 911 call logs related to your case. These records can help establish what happened and support your claim.
- Check for surveillance footage: If the accident happened near businesses, traffic lights, or residential areas, security cameras may have recorded the crash. Request footage from nearby stores, gas stations, or city traffic cameras as soon as possible. Many systems overwrite recordings within days.
- Gather witness statements: If you didn’t get contact details at the scene, check if the police report includes witness names. Our lawyers will help follow up with them to obtain statements that support your claim.
- Get a medical re-evaluation if needed: If you experience delayed pain or new symptoms days later, seek follow-up medical care. This helps document the full impact of your injuries and ensures they are included in your claim.
- Consult our lawyer: Insurance companies often minimize payouts for hit-and-run claims, especially UM claims. Our legal team investigates every possible avenue, including finding additional coverage options and maximizing compensation through legal action if needed.
Even if time has passed, taking action now can help secure the compensation you deserve. Our team ensures no critical evidence is overlooked.
Don’t let a hit-and-run leave you with unpaid medical bills—speak with our San Bernardino car accident attorney today.
Hypothetical scenario using our hit-and-run compensation calculator
California filing deadlines for hit-and-run claims
California law sets strict deadlines for filing a hit-and-run accident claim. Failing to take legal action within the statute of limitations can prevent you from recovering compensation. The time limit depends on the type of claim you are pursuing.
| Claim type | Deadline to file | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury claim | 2 years from the accident date | Medical discovery rule: If injuries are not immediately diagnosed, the deadline may be extended. |
| Uninsured motorist (UM) claim | Varies by insurer (often 6 months – 1 year) | Policy terms apply—some insurers require UM claims within as little as 6 months. |
| Property damage claim | 3 years from the accident date | Claims must prove the damage was caused by the hit-and-run accident. |
| Claim against a government entity | 6 months from the accident date | Must file an administrative claim before suing, per California Government Code § 911.2. |
| Minors injured in a hit-and-run | Until age 20 (2 years after turning 18) | The deadline is extended because minors cannot file lawsuits on their own. |
⚠️ Filing deadlines vary depending on your case details. Our lawyers will determine the best course of action and ensure all claims are filed on time.
Need tailored guidance for your hit-and-run case?
A hit-and-run accident can leave you not only with physical injuries, medical bills, and lost income but also the emotional trauma of being struck and abandoned by a driver. The uncertainty of not knowing who is responsible or if you’ll receive fair compensation can be overwhelming.
Our lawyers are here to provide clarity, support, and a strong legal presence, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery. If the at-fault driver is found, we pursue all available legal options, including punitive damages.
Don’t let insurers undervalue your claim. Call us at (866) 646-6676 or contact us online to get started.
Our range of California personal injury settlement calculators that you might find useful
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FAQs
Can I still get compensation if the driver who hit me was never found?
Yes, you may still recover compensation through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you have it in your policy. UM claims cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you don’t have UM coverage, other options may exist depending on your case.
What if my insurance company denies my uninsured motorist (UM) claim?
Insurance companies often deny UM claims to minimize payouts. If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision, provide additional evidence, or seek legal representation. Our lawyers negotiate directly with insurers to ensure your claim is properly evaluated and you receive fair compensation.
How do I prove my injuries if I didn’t go to the hospital immediately?
Even if you didn’t seek immediate medical care, you can still prove your injuries through doctor evaluations, physical therapy records, and witness testimony. Keeping a journal of your symptoms and pain levels can also help strengthen your compensation claim.
Will my settlement be lower if I only had minor injuries?
Settlement amounts are based on medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. While minor injuries typically result in lower payouts, factors like ongoing discomfort, physical therapy, and emotional distress can still increase your settlement. Our lawyers help ensure all damages are accounted for in your claim.
How long does it take to settle a hit-and-run claim in California?
Settlement timelines vary based on the severity of injuries, available evidence, and whether the at-fault driver is found. UM claims can take a few months, while cases involving litigation may take longer. Our lawyers work to resolve claims as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.
Does my insurance cover a hit-and-run accident, or do I need to file a lawsuit?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage typically applies in hit-and-run cases. If the driver is identified, you may file a claim against their insurance or take legal action. Our lawyers assess your case and determine the best legal strategy to recover your losses.
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