Were you injured in a hit-and-run crash in El Segundo, California? Even if the driver fled the scene, you may still have options for recovering compensation. An El Segundo hit and run accident lawyer at J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help you identify every available source of recovery. Call (323) 284-2834 for a free consultation.
We have decades of combined experience handling complex motor vehicle cases, including crashes where the at-fault driver was never identified. Our team is ready to help you find a fair outcome after an unfair situation. Reach out today to learn more.
Why Choose J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers After a Hit & Run in El Segundo, CA?
A hit-and-run accident often leaves victims feeling like they have nowhere to turn. An experienced El Segundo car accident attorney can change that by explaining your options and pursuing compensation through every available avenue:
J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers is a leading car accident firm in El Segundo, CA, because:
- Our attorneys bring 20 years of combined experience to hit-and-run and other personal injury cases
- We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of injured clients
- We’ve earned dozens of five-star reviews from clients across Google
- Our firm is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an honor reserved for attorneys with a track record of significant case results
- We offer contingency fees and free consultations, so you never pay out of pocket to get started
Call us today to schedule a free case review with an El Segundo personal injury attorney who’s ready to fight for you.
What Is Considered a Hit & Run Under California Law?
California law requires drivers involved in collisions to stop immediately at the scene.
Depending on the circumstances, a driver is generally required to:
- Determine whether anyone involved has been injured
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved
- Provide reasonable assistance to anyone who’s injured, including arranging transportation for medical care if needed
- Notify law enforcement when the crash involves injury, death, or significant property damage
A driver who leaves the scene without meeting these obligations has committed a hit-and-run offense under California law. If the crash caused injury or property damage, the fleeing driver can face criminal charges ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony. Once identified, that driver may also face civil liability for the injuries and damage their crash caused to victims.
Who Pays for Damages After a Hit & Run Accident in California?
Many hit-and-run victims worry that if the responsible driver is never found, they’ll be left covering their losses out of pocket. Fortunately, that doesn’t have to be the case.
If your auto policy includes uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, it can step in to help cover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
California insurers are required to offer UM coverage on every policy.
You may also have access to other first-party coverages that can help right away, including:
- Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage, which can pay initial medical bills regardless of fault
- Collision coverage, which can pay for vehicle repairs even when the at-fault driver isn’t identified
If the hit-and-run driver is later identified, you may also be able to bring a personal injury claim directly against them. But many hit-and-run drivers carry little to no insurance, which makes UM coverage especially important for seeking full damages.
Although UM claims involve your own insurer, you shouldn’t assume compensation will be automatic. UM insurers will still try to minimize the value of your case, even though you are a policyholder. An experienced attorney can review your coverage, handle communication with your insurer, and make sure your claim is valued fairly.
How Long Do I Have to File a Hit & Run Lawsuit in California?
While California allows two years to file a standard personal injury lawsuit, hit-and-run cases carry strict deadlines that start immediately:
- 24 Hours: Report the crash to law enforcement to preserve your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage.
- 30 Days: Submit a sworn statement to your auto insurer declaring you were hit by an unidentified driver.
- 6 Months: File a formal administrative claim if the crash involved a government vehicle or dangerous road condition.
- 2 Years: File a personal injury lawsuit or formally demand UM arbitration with your insurer.
Missing any of these deadlines can permanently bar your recovery, making prompt legal action essential.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an El Segundo Hit & Run Accident Lawyer
You’re not powerless after a hit-and-run crash, even if the driver was never caught. J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your options and pursue full compensation from your insurer and any other source of recovery available to you.
Our firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured clients and earned a reputation for results. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an El Segundo hit and run accident attorney.