Speak With a Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Today
Hit-and-run accidents are a serious problem in Los Angeles. When a driver causes a crash and flees the scene without stopping to provide assistance or exchange information, victims are often left injured, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Unfortunately, these incidents occur more frequently in large metropolitan areas where traffic is dense and drivers may attempt to escape responsibility.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run crash, you still have legal options. Working with an experienced Los Angeles hit and run accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation and investigate the identity of the driver who fled the scene.
Farar & Lewis offers free consultations to victims of hit-and-run accidents throughout Los Angeles. Our legal team understands the challenges these cases present and works aggressively to help injured victims recover the compensation they deserve.
Call us now for a free case evaluation at 800-615-6595.
What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Under California law, a hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene without fulfilling their legal obligations. Drivers involved in accidents must stop and provide their contact and insurance information.
Failing to do so may result in criminal charges.
Hit-and-run accidents may involve:
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Vehicle-to-vehicle collisions
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Pedestrian accidents
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Bicycle accidents
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Property damage incidents
Whether the crash caused minor damage or serious injuries, leaving the scene is illegal.
Why Drivers Leave the Scene of an Accident
Drivers flee accident scenes for many reasons. Unfortunately, many of these reasons involve attempts to avoid legal consequences.
Common reasons include:
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Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
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Driving without insurance
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Driving without a valid license
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Outstanding warrants or legal issues
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Fear of financial responsibility
Regardless of the reason, leaving the scene is a crime that puts injured victims at further risk.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, taking the right steps can help protect your safety and strengthen your case.
Call 911 Immediately
Reporting the crash allows police to begin an investigation and document the incident.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if injuries seem minor, it is important to receive medical evaluation.
Gather Evidence
If possible, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any debris left behind.
Collect Witness Information
Witnesses may have seen the driver or captured the license plate number.
Check Nearby Cameras
Traffic cameras, surveillance systems, and dashcams may have recorded the incident.
Contact a Lawyer
An experienced Los Angeles hit and run accident lawyer can help investigate the crash and identify potential sources of compensation.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Hit-and-Run Accidents
Because hit-and-run drivers often flee after reckless or high-speed crashes, injuries can be severe.
Common injuries include:
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
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Spinal cord injuries
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Broken bones
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Internal bleeding
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Neck and back injuries
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Severe lacerations
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Permanent disability
Pedestrians and cyclists involved in hit-and-run accidents face an especially high risk of catastrophic injuries.
What Happens If the Driver Is Found?
If law enforcement identifies the driver who fled the scene, victims may pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
The at-fault driver may face:
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Criminal charges for leaving the scene
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Civil liability for damages caused by the accident
Evidence collected during the criminal investigation may also support the victim’s civil claim.
What If the Driver Is Never Identified?
Even if the hit-and-run driver is never found, victims may still have options for recovering compensation.
Many drivers carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which can apply in hit-and-run cases.
UM coverage may help pay for:
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Medical expenses
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Lost wages
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Pain and suffering
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Other accident-related damages
A skilled Los Angeles hit and run accident lawyer can review your insurance policy and determine whether this coverage applies.
California’s Comparative Negligence Rule
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means multiple parties may share fault for an accident.
Even if a victim is partially responsible—for example, if they were speeding—they may still recover compensation. However, the final recovery amount may be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned.
Insurance companies often attempt to use this rule to reduce payouts.
Evidence Used in Hit-and-Run Investigations
Identifying a hit-and-run driver often requires extensive investigation.
Important evidence may include:
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Traffic camera footage
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Surveillance video from nearby businesses
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Dashcam recordings
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Witness statements
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Vehicle debris left at the scene
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License plate recognition systems
An experienced attorney may work with investigators and accident reconstruction experts to help identify the responsible driver.
Compensation Available After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Victims of hit-and-run accidents may be entitled to financial compensation for their losses.
Economic Damages
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Emergency medical care
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Hospital bills and surgeries
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Physical therapy and rehabilitation
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Lost wages
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Loss of future earning capacity
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Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Permanent disability or disfigurement
In fatal accidents, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death compensation.
Why Hit-and-Run Cases Require Experienced Legal Representation
Hit-and-run accident cases can be more complicated than typical car accident claims because the at-fault driver may initially be unknown.
Insurance companies may attempt to:
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Deny uninsured motorist coverage
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Minimize injury severity
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Delay claim processing
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Offer low settlement amounts
An experienced Los Angeles hit and run accident lawyer can investigate the crash, handle insurance negotiations, and pursue maximum compensation.
How Farar & Lewis Handles Hit-and-Run Accident Cases
At Farar & Lewis, we understand how devastating hit-and-run accidents can be. Victims are often left dealing with serious injuries and financial stress while the responsible driver attempts to avoid accountability.
Our legal team focuses on:
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Conducting thorough accident investigations
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Locating surveillance and camera evidence
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Identifying potential witnesses
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Reviewing insurance coverage options
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Calculating full and future damages
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Negotiating aggressively with insurers
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Taking cases to trial when necessary
We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
California’s Statute of Limitations for Hit-and-Run Claims
In California, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. However, insurance claims and cases involving government entities may involve shorter deadlines.
Prompt legal action helps preserve critical evidence and protect your rights.
Call Farar & Lewis After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you should not face the aftermath alone.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free consultation with a Los Angeles hit and run accident lawyer. Our team is ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call us now for a free case evaluation at 800-615-6595.
Sources
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California Department of Motor Vehicles – Hit-and-Run Laws
https://www.dmv.ca.gov -
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Crash Data and Statistics
https://www.nhtsa.gov -
California Office of Traffic Safety – Hit-and-Run Crash Data
https://www.ots.ca.gov
