What is a hit-and-run in California?

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver causes or is involved in a crash and leaves the scene without stopping to provide contact or insurance information, as required by law.

Can I still get compensation if the driver is never found?

Yes. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance policy may pay for your injuries and losses. A hit and run accident lawyer can help you file and manage that claim.

How long do I have to file a hit and run lawsuit in Anaheim?

You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim under California’s statute of limitations.

Will my insurance go up if I file a hit-and-run claim?

Not necessarily. If the accident wasn’t your fault, your premiums shouldn’t increase, but this depends on your insurer and the specific terms of your policy. A hit and run accident attorney can help protect your interests during this process.

What if the hit-and-run driver is caught later?

If the driver is identified, we can pursue a lawsuit directly against them for your damages. In some cases, criminal charges may also support your civil case.

Anaheim Hit and Run Lawyer

The California DMV provides details on what drivers should do after a collision. The number one piece of advice is to stop at the crash scene, because otherwise you could be charged with a hit-and-run crime.

Unfortunately, not all drivers obey these rules. Some run away from the scene of a crash and leave behind victims who may have suffered serious injuries. If you are one of those victims, it’s important to get legal help so you can understand what your rights and options are after someone has hurt you and left you behind.

JSM Injury Firm APC has extensive experience in these situations. Our Anaheim hit-and-run accident lawyers will work with you to explore coverage options such as uninsured motorist coverage. We can also help you to take legal action if the police are able to find the driver who fled the scene.

Give us a call today at (949) 404-4826 to schedule your free consultation and learn more about the legal assistance our Anaheim accident attorneys can offer in these difficult situations.

What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident

If you were hurt in a hit-and-run crash, acting fast can make all the difference. Here are five steps to take right away:

Call 911. Always report the accident, even if the other driver is gone. The police report is essential for your insurance claim and any future hit and run lawsuit.
Get Medical Attention. Prioritize your health. Even if your injuries seem minor, documentation is key.
Gather Evidence. Try to remember or record anything about the fleeing vehicle: license plate, color, make, direction of travel, or witness statements.
Contact Your Insurance Company. Let them know you were involved in a hit-and-run. Do not give a recorded statement until you speak with a lawyer.
Reach Out to an Anaheim Hit and Run Accident Attorney. Insurance companies are often reluctant to pay fair compensation, even under your own policy. Let an experienced lawyer handle it.

Your Legal Rights After an Anaheim Hit-and-Run

Just because the driver fled doesn’t mean you’re out of options. California law gives you two main ways to seek compensation:

1. Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Under state law, every auto insurer must offer Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC). If you accepted this coverage, your insurer must pay for your injuries, even if the driver who hit you disappears.

UMC typically includes:

Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI): Covers medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): May cover vehicle damage, but only if the other driver is identified.

If you waived this coverage, your options become more limited. But our team can still help explore other routes to compensation.

2. Legal Action if the Driver is Found

If law enforcement identifies the person who hit you, we’ll work quickly to build a case. That includes proving fault and filing a hit and run lawsuit in Anaheim to recover compensation for:

Medical costs
Lost income
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Vehicle and property damage

California follows a comparative fault rule, which means you can still be paid even if you were partially at fault for the accident, so long as the other party shares in the blame.

Why Work With an Anaheim Hit and Run Accident Attorney From JSM Injury Firm APC?

Our law firm knows how to deal with insurance companies that try to delay or deny valid claims. We’ve helped countless clients recover compensation after serious crashes, even when the odds weren’t on their side.

We’re Strategic Negotiators. Whether it’s your own insurance company or the at-fault party’s, we’ll push back hard against low offers.
We Know the System. From navigating police investigations to managing paperwork with your insurer, we streamline the entire process for you.
We’re Trial-Ready. If we need to take your hit and run lawsuit in Anaheim to court, we’re fully prepared.
No Fees Unless We Win. You pay us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

If you’re dealing with the physical, financial, and emotional fallout of a hit-and-run, we’re here to help you move forward.

Talk to an Anaheim Hit and Run Lawyer Today

Don’t let the driver who hurt you get away with it, and don’t let the insurance company decide what your case is worth. Whether the other driver is identified or not, you may still have a path to compensation, and JSM Injury Firm APC is ready to help you move forward.

Your consultation is 100% free, and you don’t pay unless we win.

Call (949) 404-4826 or complete our secure online form now to speak directly with an experienced Anaheim hit and run accident attorney who knows how to get results.