Hit-and-run crashes are common in Los Angeles. Even if the driver is never found, you may be able to make a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
For a hit-and-run UM claim, California generally requires that the crash be reported to police within 24 hours and to your insurer within 30 days (Insurance Code § 11580.2). Report right away.
Write down any partial plate, vehicle color, make, and direction of travel, and ask nearby businesses about security cameras as soon as possible.
What to do after the accident
- Get to safety and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Police and paramedics create an official record.
- Get medical evaluation promptly, even if you feel okay. Some injuries show up hours or days later.
- Photograph the scene, vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Exchange names, license, plate, and insurance information. Collect witness names and phone numbers.
- Report the crash to your insurer, and file an SR-1 with the California DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured or property damage exceeded $1,000.
- Be careful with adjusters. You don't have to give a recorded statement to the other side's insurer or sign a release before getting advice.
Key California deadlines
- 2 years from the injury date to file most personal injury lawsuits (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1).
- 3 years for most property damage claims, such as vehicle damage (CCP § 338).
- 6 months to file a government claim if a city, county, state agency, or public bus (e.g., Metro) is involved (Government Code § 911.2).
- 10 days to file an SR-1 report with the DMV when there is injury, death, or over $1,000 in damage.
Exceptions exist (for example, minors and delayed discovery). Deadlines depend on the facts, so don't wait to get advice.
What a lawyer can help with
An attorney can look into who was at fault, find every insurance policy that might apply, collect evidence, and deal with adjusters for you. We work on a contingency fee: no fee unless we recover for you. Clients may be responsible for case costs depending on the fee agreement; fees and costs are set out in a written contingency agreement.
General information only, not legal advice. Every case is different.
