California law requires drivers involved in a motor vehicle accident to stop, remain at the scene, and provide reasonable assistance. This includes exchanging identifying information and helping anyone who is injured. Leaving the scene without doing so is a crime. Under California Vehicle Code section 20001, a hit-and-run occurs when an accident results in injury or death. Section 20002 applies when an accident causes property damage only. A driver can be charged with a hit-and-run even if they were not responsible for causing the crash. While law enforcement investigates the criminal side of the case, injured victims must separately pursue civil compensation, often through insurance claims.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in San Diego

The steps you take after a hit-and-run accident can significantly affect your health and your ability to recover compensation:

1. Call 911 and report the accident immediately
2. Seek medical treatment, even if injuries seem minor
3. Provide police with any details you remember about the vehicle or driver
4. Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries if possible
5. Notify your insurance company but avoid recorded statements
6. Speak with a hit-and-run accident attorney before accepting any settlement

Insurance companies often move quickly to minimize payouts. Having legal guidance early can prevent costly mistakes.

Can You Recover Compensation If the Driver Is Never Found?

Yes. Many San Diego hit-and-run accident cases are resolved without ever identifying the driver who fled the scene. Compensation is often available through uninsured motorist coverage, which commonly applies to hit-and-run crashes. Depending on the facts, underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, or liability involving unsafe road conditions or alcohol service may also apply. A San Diego car accident lawyer can review all available policies and pursue every potential source of recovery.

What Compensation Is Available After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

The value of a hit-and-run accident case depends on the severity of your injuries and how they affect your life. Every hit-and-run case is different, but compensation often includes both economic and non-economic damages:

Damages Type	Examples
Medical Expenses	Emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, future treatment
Lost Income	Missed work, reduced earning capacity
Pain and Suffering	Physical pain, emotional distress
Property Damage	Vehicle repair or replacement
Wrongful Death Damages	Funeral costs, loss of financial support

Insurance policy limits can affect recovery, but additional legal strategies may be available depending on the circumstances. Why Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen in San Diego Hit-and-run accidents often occur in the chaotic moments immediately after a crash. While leaving the scene is illegal, many drivers flee out of fear, panic, or impaired judgment rather than deliberate intent. Common reasons drivers leave accident scenes include panic or shock after a sudden collision, fear of arrest or legal consequences, and driving without insurance or a valid license. Many hit-and-run crashes also involve drunk driving or distracted driving, including texting while driving, which can impair decision-making. Some drivers claim they were unaware a collision occurred, especially in low-speed impacts or when driving larger vehicles. Others leave because they feel unsafe, confused about what to do, or face language barriers at the scene. Regardless of the reason, leaving the scene of an accident is against the law. Victims of hit-and-run accidents still have the right to pursue compensation, even when a driver attempts to avoid responsibility.

Types of Hit-and-Run Accidents We Handle

Hit-and-run accidents in San Diego involve more than just passenger vehicles. Gomez Trial Attorneys represents clients injured in:

• Rear-end, sideswipe, and intersection collisions
• Pedestrian hit-and-run accidents
• Bicycle and motorcycle hit-and-run crashes
• Commercial vehicle and truck accidents

Common Challenges in San Diego Hit-and-Run Claims

Hit-and-run claims often involve unique obstacles. Insurance companies may dispute uninsured motorist coverage, argue that injuries are unrelated, or delay claims due to incomplete police investigations. Low policy limits and aggressive adjuster tactics are also common. Our attorneys prepare every case with trial in mind, which strengthens negotiating leverage from the start.

How Gomez Trial Attorneys Helps Hit-and-Run Accident Victims

Gomez Trial Attorneys focuses on protecting injured victims, not insurance companies. Our legal team conducts independent investigations, preserves evidence, handles all insurance communications, and follows the same proactive approach that defines what car accident lawyers do when filing uninsured motorist claims or lawsuits. Our trial-ready approach has helped recover millions for injured clients throughout San Diego, and we are prepared to take cases to court when insurers refuse to act fairly.

San Diego Hit-and-Run Accident FAQs

What should I do if a driver hits me and leaves the scene?

You should call 911 immediately, seek medical attention, and file a police report as soon as possible. Try to remember or document any details about the vehicle or driver. Before speaking with insurance adjusters, it is wise to consult a hit-and-run accident lawyer who can protect your claim.

Does uninsured motorist insurance cover hit-and-run accidents in California?

In many cases, yes. California uninsured motorist coverage often applies when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. Insurance companies may still dispute these claims, which is why legal guidance is important.

How long do I have to file a hit-and-run injury claim?

Most California personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident. However, insurance policies often have much shorter notice deadlines. Speaking with an attorney early helps ensure no deadlines are missed.

Will my insurance rates go up if I file a UM claim?

Uninsured motorist claims are generally treated differently than at-fault claims, but insurers do not always act fairly. An attorney can help prevent improper blame-shifting and protect your interests throughout the claim process.

Do I need a lawyer if the hit-and-run driver is never found?

Yes. Hit-and-run cases often involve complex insurance coverage issues and aggressive claim denials. An experienced lawyer can significantly improve your chances of recovering full and fair compensation.

Talk to a San Diego Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Today

If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. Gomez Trial Attorneys is ready to explain your options and fight for your recovery.

Free Consultation — No Fees Until We Win.