A hit and run accident in California leaves you feeling abandoned at the worst possible moment. On roads throughout Berkeley, Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, and the greater Bay Area, these crashes often leave victims hurt, shaken, and unsure where to turn when the driver vanishes. This is not a situation where you should have to figure things out on your own. The experienced attorneys at Siegal & Richardson, LLP are known locally for taking on hard cases and standing toe-to-toe with insurance companies and powerful interests. In this piece, the firm breaks down what you need to know about hit and run accidents—how they happen, who may be held responsible, what legal paths may be available, what kinds of financial recovery may be possible, and how a California hit and run accident lawyer can fight for accountability and justice on your behalf.
Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in California
If you were injured in a hit and run anywhere in the Bay Area or across California, time matters. The experienced car accident attorneys at Siegal & Richardson, LLP know how to move quickly, protect your rights, and push back when insurers stall or deny responsibility. For clear answers about your options, contact Siegal & Richardson, LLP by calling (510) 271-6720 or contacting us online for a free consultation.
Types of Hit and Run Accidents You May Be Involved In
Hit and Run Car Accidents Involving Another Vehicle — This happens when another driver crashes into your car and leaves the scene without stopping to provide information or help. You may be hit from behind at a stoplight, sideswiped on the freeway, or struck in an intersection in places like Los Angeles, Oakland, or San Jose. These crashes are often sudden and confusing, leaving you to deal with vehicle damage, injuries, and unanswered questions. Because the other driver disappears, you are immediately placed in a difficult position when it comes to identifying who caused the crash and how you will be compensated.
Hit and Run Pedestrian Accidents — In this type of hit and run accident, you are struck while walking and the driver flees instead of stopping. These incidents commonly occur in crosswalks, near schools, in parking lots, or along busy city streets in areas like Berkeley, San Francisco, and Sacramento. Pedestrians have no protection, so even a low-speed impact can cause serious harm. When the driver runs, you may be left injured on the roadway with no clear way to identify the vehicle that hit you.
Hit and Run Bicycle Accidents — This occurs when a motorist collides with you while you are riding a bicycle and then drives away. Cyclists are frequently hit while using bike lanes, riding along the shoulder, or sharing the road in cities such as Fremont, Hayward, and Santa Rosa. Drivers may claim they did not see you or panic after the impact. Because bicycles offer no physical protection, these crashes often result in significant injuries and damage to your bike, while the at-fault driver avoids responsibility.
Hit and Run Motorcycle Accidents — When you are riding a motorcycle and a driver strikes you and leaves the scene, the consequences can be devastating. These crashes often involve lane changes, unsafe turns, or rear-end impacts on busy roads throughout California, including high-traffic areas like Los Angeles and San Jose. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible, which can contribute to collisions. Once the driver flees, you may be left seriously injured on the roadway with little immediate information about who caused the crash.
Hit and Run Accidents Involving Parked Cars or Property — Not all hit and run accidents involve a moving victim. In some cases, a driver hits your parked car, a fence, or other property and leaves without leaving contact information. This frequently happens on residential streets, in apartment complexes, or in crowded urban areas such as Oakland, Piedmont, and San Francisco. You may discover the damage hours later with no witnesses, making it difficult to know how the crash occurred or who is responsible.
Injuries Commonly Caused by a Hit and Run Accident
Traumatic Brain Injuries — A violent impact can cause your head to strike a hard surface or snap suddenly, leading to concussions or more serious brain injuries. Symptoms may not appear right away, which makes these injuries especially dangerous if the driver leaves you without immediate help.
Spinal Cord and Neck Injuries — Damage to your spine or neck can happen when your body is thrown or twisted during the crash. These injuries may cause chronic pain, limited mobility, or long-term disability, even when there are no visible signs right after the accident.
Broken Bones and Complex Fractures — The force of a hit and run accident can easily fracture arms, legs, ribs, or hips. In more severe crashes, bones may break in multiple places, requiring surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery time.
Internal Injuries and Organ Damage — Blunt force trauma can injure organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen. Because these injuries are not always obvious, they can become life-threatening if medical treatment is delayed after the driver flees.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma — Being injured and abandoned at the scene can leave lasting emotional scars. You may experience anxiety, sleep problems, or fear of walking, driving, or riding in traffic long after the physical injuries heal.
Where Hit and Run Accidents Commonly Happen in California
Busy Urban Streets and Downtown Corridors — High traffic volume, frequent stops, and constant pedestrian activity make city streets a major hotspot for hit and run accidents. In places like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, drivers may panic after a crash in congested downtown areas and flee to avoid being identified. These incidents often occur at intersections, near public transit stops, and along multi-lane roads where it is easy for a driver to disappear into traffic.
Residential Neighborhoods and Side Streets — Hit and run accidents frequently happen in quieter neighborhoods throughout Berkeley, Piedmont, Hayward, Fremont, and Santa Rosa. Parked cars line the streets, visibility can be limited, and drivers may believe they will not be seen if they leave. Pedestrians, cyclists, and children are especially vulnerable in these areas, particularly during early mornings and evenings.
Highways, Freeways, and On-Ramps — Major roadways such as freeways and highway connectors in and around Sacramento, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area are common locations for hit and run crashes. Higher speeds increase the severity of injuries, and drivers who cause a collision may take advantage of multiple exits to escape before law enforcement arrives.
Parking Lots and Commercial Areas — Shopping centers, grocery stores, office complexes, and entertainment districts across California see a steady number of hit and run accidents. In busy areas of Oakland, San Jose, and Santa Rosa, drivers may strike a parked vehicle or a pedestrian and leave, assuming no one noticed. Limited lighting and inconsistent camera coverage can make identifying the driver more difficult.
Nightlife and Entertainment Districts — Areas with bars, restaurants, and late-night activity in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Berkeley are especially prone to hit and run accidents. Reduced visibility, impaired driving, and heavy foot traffic increase the risk of collisions, while drivers who fear legal consequences may be more likely to flee the scene.
Who May Be Responsible for Your Hit and Run Accident Under California Law
The Driver Who Fled the Scene After Causing Injury or Death — If you were injured or a loved one was killed, the driver who ran violated California Vehicle Code § 20001(a). This law requires a driver involved in an injury or fatal crash to stop and comply with duties set out in Vehicle Code § 20003 and Vehicle Code § 20004, including providing identifying information and rendering reasonable assistance. When the driver is later identified, you can pursue a civil personal injury or wrongful death claim against them, separate from any criminal charges.
The Driver Who Left After Causing Property Damage Only — When a driver damages your parked car or other property and leaves, California Vehicle Code § 20002(a) applies. This statute requires the driver to stop and either provide identifying information to the property owner or leave a written notice and notify law enforcement as required by the statute. Failing to do so exposes the driver to civil liability for your property losses.
Your Own Uninsured Motorist Coverage for a Hit and Run — If the hit and run driver is never found, your claim often proceeds under your own uninsured motorist coverage pursuant to California Insurance Code § 11580.2. California law treats many hit and run crashes as uninsured motorist claims. This statute governs when UM coverage applies, what proof is required, and how disputes with your insurer are handled, including arbitration provisions when coverage or damages are contested.
The Owner of the Vehicle Used in the Hit and Run — If the fleeing driver was using someone else’s vehicle with permission, the owner may be legally responsible under California Vehicle Code § 17150, which imposes liability on vehicle owners for injuries caused by permissive users. In cases where the owner is not also the employer or principal, Vehicle Code § 17151 limits the amount of damages that can be recovered from the owner personally, though other liability theories may still apply.
An Employer or Business Connected to the Driver — When the hit and run driver was acting within the scope of their job, the employer can be held responsible under California Civil Code § 2338, which makes principals liable for the wrongful acts of agents committed in the course of business. This commonly arises in delivery, rideshare, construction, and service-related driving situations, and it can significantly expand the available insurance coverage.
A City, County, or State Agency — If dangerous road conditions, poor lighting, missing signage, or defective design contributed to your hit and run accident, a public entity may share responsibility. Government Code § 835 allows claims against public entities for dangerous conditions of public property, while Government Code § 815.2 addresses liability based on negligent acts of public employees acting within the scope of employment. These claims follow special procedural rules and timelines.
Statute of Limitations and Critical Deadlines — Most California personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the accident under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Claims for property damage generally have a three-year deadline under Code of Civil Procedure § 338. If a government entity may be responsible, Government Code § 911.2(a)usually requires that a government claim be filed within six months.
How a California Hit and Run Accident Attorney Helps You Win Your Case
Investigating the Crash When the Driver Takes Off — A hit and run accident requires immediate action. A local California hit and run accident attorney knows how to quickly obtain surveillance footage, traffic camera data, and witness statements in cities like Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, and Berkeley before critical evidence disappears.
Working With Local Police and Agencies — Your lawyer regularly coordinates with law enforcement across Alameda County, Los Angeles County, San Francisco, Santa Clara County, and Sacramento. This local experience helps move investigations forward and identify patterns in high-risk areas where hit and run crashes commonly occur.
Handling Uninsured Motorist Insurance Claims — When the driver is not found, your own insurance company often becomes the dispute. A California hit and run accident lawyer manages uninsured motorist claims, ensures legal requirements are met, and challenges insurers that delay or undervalue legitimate hit and run accident claims.
Filing Lawsuits When a Responsible Party Is Identified — If the driver, vehicle owner, employer, or another party is identified, your lawyer can file a lawsuit in the proper local court. Familiarity with county courts and procedures in Northern and Southern California can make a meaningful difference in how your case progresses.
Pursuing Full Damages Unique to Hit and Run Cases — A California hit and run accident lawyer fights for compensation covering medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and wrongful death damages. These cases are more complex than typical accident claims because proof and insurance issues are far more demanding.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Hit and Run Accidents
What should you do right after a California hit and run accident?
Call 911, get medical help, report the crash to police, gather witness details, photograph the scene, and contact your insurer promptly after a California hit and run accident occurs immediately.
Can you get compensation after a California hit and run accident if the driver is not found?
Yes, you can seek compensation after a California hit and run accident through uninsured motorist coverage, medical payments benefits, or collision coverage, even when police never identify the fleeing driver involved responsible.
Do you have to report a California hit and run accident to police?
You must report a California hit and run accident to police within twenty four hours to protect insurance rights and create documentation insurers usually require for uninsured motorist claims benefits.
Where do California hit and run accidents happen most often locally?
California hit and run accidents often happen at intersections, crosswalks, parking lots, highways, nightlife districts, and busy city streets throughout Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, and nearby communities.
Why are injuries so serious in a California hit and run accident?
Injuries from a California hit and run accident are severe because victims lack protection, impacts are sudden, and medical help is delayed when drivers flee instead of stopping at the scene immediately.
How does a California hit and run accident attorney actually help you?
A California hit and run accident lawyer investigates quickly, preserves video evidence, communicates with police, and manages insurance claims so you are not taken advantage of locally during difficult times.
When should you call a lawyer after a California hit and run accident?
You should contact a lawyer immediately after a California hit and run accident to avoid missed deadlines, lost evidence, and insurance mistakes that reduce compensation for serious injuries, losses, claims.
Why does hiring a local attorney matter for a California hit and run accident?
A local California hit and run accident attorney understands area crash patterns, local police practices, county courts, and insurance tactics used in Los Angeles, Alameda, San Francisco, and Santa Clara Counties regularly.
What compensation can you pursue after a California hit and run accident?
After a California hit and run accident, a lawyer can pursue damages for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and wrongful death when applicable to surviving families.
Why is handling a California hit and run accident alone risky?
Handling a California hit & run accident alone is risky because insurers dispute claims, evidence disappears quickly, and legal rules are strictly enforced against unrepresented victims in serious injury cases.
California Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
When a hit and run happens on California streets—whether in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, or surrounding communities—you are left dealing with pain, fear, and anger while the person who caused it disappears. That kind of injustice hits hard.
The experienced hit and run accident attorneys at Siegal & Richardson, LLP have spent decades standing up for people in exactly this position, in the communities they serve across California. With more than 35 years of litigation experience, they step in fast, take the pressure off you, and push back hard against insurers and anyone trying to avoid responsibility.
If you or a loved one was hurt, contact Siegal & Richardson, LLP by calling (510) 271-6720 or contacting us online for a free consultation. You deserve answers, support, and a legal team that is not afraid to fight.