The shock of being struck by another vehicle quickly turns to disbelief and anger when you realize the other driver is fleeing the scene, leaving you injured and alone to deal with the aftermath. Hit and run accidents account for approximately 11% of all traffic collisions in California, with the San Fernando Valley experiencing hundreds of these incidents annually. While the immediate situation feels overwhelming, you have more legal options than you might realize, even when the responsible driver disappears.
Big Joe Law helps hit and run victims throughout Encino and the San Fernando Valley navigate the complex process of securing compensation after these traumatic incidents. Our combined 18 years of experience means we understand both the investigative techniques necessary to identify fleeing drivers and the insurance strategies available when perpetrators remain unknown. You don’t have to accept being victimized twice – first by the collision and then by inadequate compensation.
Immediate Steps After a Hit and Run Accident
Your actions in the minutes following a hit and run can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Safety comes first – move to a secure location if possible and call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, requesting police response creates an official record essential for insurance claims and potential criminal prosecution.
Document everything you can remember about the fleeing vehicle including make, model, color, and any portion of the license plate you noticed. Look for distinguishing features like damage, stickers, or modifications. Note the direction the vehicle fled and the time of impact. These details fade quickly from memory, so recording them immediately proves crucial for investigations.
Gathering Evidence at the Scene
Search for witnesses who may have seen the accident or the fleeing vehicle. Nearby businesses, homes with doorbell cameras, and traffic cameras often capture hit and run incidents. Ask business owners about surveillance footage immediately, as many systems overwrite recordings within days. Take photographs of your injuries, vehicle damage, skid marks, and the surrounding area.
Look for physical evidence the fleeing driver may have left behind. Paint transfer on your vehicle, broken parts from their car, or debris at the scene can help identify the vehicle type and color. Don’t disturb this evidence – photograph it and point it out to responding officers. This physical evidence sometimes provides the breakthrough needed to identify hit and run drivers weeks after the incident.
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage Options
California law requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage unless specifically waived in writing. This coverage becomes your primary source of compensation in hit and run cases where the responsible driver remains unidentified. Many drivers don’t realize their uninsured motorist coverage applies to hit and run accidents, assuming it only covers crashes with identified uninsured drivers.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage Requirements
To qualify for uninsured motorist benefits after a hit and run, California law requires meeting specific conditions. You must report the accident to police within 24 hours, though immediate reporting is always preferable. The accident must involve physical contact between vehicles – near misses that cause you to crash don’t qualify. You cannot have any information suggesting the other driver has insurance coverage.
Your uninsured motorist coverage should equal your liability limits unless you selected lower amounts. This coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages you could have recovered from the fleeing driver. Unlike collision coverage which only addresses vehicle damage, uninsured motorist coverage compensates for bodily injuries and their full impact on your life.
Additional Coverage Sources
Collision coverage pays for vehicle repairs regardless of fault, though you’ll need to pay your deductible. Medical payments coverage provides immediate funds for medical treatment without requiring fault determination. If you were working when the hit and run occurred, workers’ compensation may provide additional benefits. We examine all potential coverage sources to maximize your total recovery.
Get Justice After a Hit and Run Accident
Hit and run victims often feel twice violated – first by the driver who fled and then by an insurance system that seems designed to deny their claims. You don’t have to accept this injustice. Big Joe Law fights aggressively for hit and run victims, using every available resource to identify fleeing drivers and maximize compensation from insurance coverage.
Our “You Don’t Pay Until We Win” guarantee means you can pursue justice without financial risk. We advance all investigation costs, handle insurance negotiations, and fight for maximum compensation while you focus on recovery. Recent settlements of $2,750,000 and $2,250,000 demonstrate our ability to secure substantial compensation even in challenging cases. Don’t let a hit and run driver’s cowardice leave you bearing the full cost of their negligence. Contact Big Joe Law today to learn how we can help you secure the compensation and justice you deserve.
