Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
The driver fled, but your options didn't. Uninsured motorist coverage may pay for your injuries even if the driver is never found. Strict deadlines apply, so call now.
Free · Confidential · No Obligation(213) 474-7463- Drivers, passengers, pedestrians & cyclists
- Uninsured motorist claims have strict notice rules
- Free case review in English or Spanish
✓ You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.*
A Name Los Angeles Knows
Los Angeles Hit and Run Lawyer: What You Need to Know
Hit-and-run crashes are a serious problem in Los Angeles. Every year, thousands of drivers leave the scene of a collision in LA County, often because they are uninsured, driving without a license, or impaired. For the person left behind, the crash is only the beginning. Without the other driver's information, many people assume they have no way to pay their medical bills.
That's often not true. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your own auto policy, or on a policy in your household, may pay for your injuries even when the driver is never found. But UM claims for hit-and-runs come with strict notice requirements. The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani has helped Southern Californians since 1996. Call now for a free case review and we'll help you protect your claim.
How a Los Angeles Hit and Run Accident Claim Works
In a normal car accident, you claim against the at-fault driver's insurance. In a hit-and-run, there may be no driver to claim against, so the claim usually goes through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Your own insurer then becomes the party you negotiate with, and it has every reason to pay as little as it can.
UM claims for hit-and-runs come with conditions. The unidentified vehicle generally must have made physical contact with you or your vehicle, the crash generally must be reported to police within 24 hours, and your insurer generally must be notified within 30 days. Missing these steps can put the claim at risk.
Meanwhile, the driver may still be found. Traffic cameras, business and doorbell footage, witness plate numbers, and paint transfer can lead police to the driver, which can open a claim against that driver's insurance. A hit-and-run accident lawyer works on both paths at once.
Hit-and-Run Cases We Handle in Los Angeles
Whatever happened, a Los Angeles hit-and-run attorney on our team can review it for free. We handle cases like these:
Driver fled after hitting your car
Another vehicle struck you and left the scene.
Pedestrian hit-and-runs
A driver hit you while you were walking and drove away.
Cyclist hit-and-runs
A driver struck you on your bike and fled.
Motorcycle hit-and-runs
A driver knocked you off your motorcycle and kept going.
Parked car & sideswipe crashes
A driver sideswiped your car or clipped you while you were stopped.
Driver later identified
Police or cameras identify the driver after the fact, and a claim can be made against their insurance.
Uninsured or unlicensed drivers
The driver stopped, but has no insurance.
Passengers in a hit-and-run
You were riding in a car, taxi, or rideshare that was hit by a fleeing driver.
Hurt in a hit-and-run accident in Los Angeles?
The insurance company is already building its case. Start building yours with a free call.
Common Hit and Run Accident Injuries
We help people with every kind of injury, from soft-tissue injuries to life-changing ones. Some of the most common:
Neck & back injuries
Whiplash and disc injuries from sudden impacts.
Head injuries
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
Broken bones
Especially for pedestrians, cyclists, and riders.
Road rash & lacerations
For people struck outside a vehicle.
Internal injuries
Hidden injuries that need prompt evaluation.
Emotional trauma
Fear and anxiety after being left injured at the scene.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Los Angeles
The steps you take in the first few days can protect your health and your claim.
Get to safety and call 911
Move out of traffic if you can. Call 911 to report injuries and get officers to the scene. Depending on location, responding agencies include: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD); California Highway Patrol (CHP) on freeways; Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in unincorporated areas and contract cities.
Get medical care right away
Go to the ER or urgent care even if you feel okay. Area hospitals include LAC+USC Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Adrenaline can hide injuries for hours or days.
Document everything
Take photos of every vehicle, plate, the scene, traffic signals, skid marks, and your injuries. Get the other driver's license, insurance, and plate, plus witness names and phone numbers.
Don't give a recorded statement
Don't admit fault, and don't give the other side's insurance company a recorded statement before you talk to a hit and run lawyer.
Report within 24 hours
Report the hit-and-run to police right away, and notify your auto insurer within 30 days. These steps help protect an uninsured motorist claim.
Call a Los Angeles hit and run lawyer
Call (213) 474-7463 for a free hit-and-run accident case review. We'll handle the insurance company and help protect your deadlines.
After a Hit and Run Accident, Insurers Move Fast. So Do We.
After a hit-and-run accident, the insurance company on the other side is a business. Its adjuster's job is to close your claim for as little as possible. Common tactics include:
Getting you to downplay your injuries
Adjusters ask how you're feeling in the first days after the crash, before the full extent of an injury is known, and use your answer later.
Recorded statements
A friendly-sounding call can be recorded and used to shift blame onto you. You are not required to give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement.
Quick, low settlement offers
An early check can look tempting, but once you sign a release, you usually can't reopen the claim if your injuries turn out to be worse.
Delays & blame-shifting
Slow responses, requests for endless records, and arguments that you were partly at fault are all designed to wear you down.
Who May Be Responsible
More than one party can share responsibility for a hit-and-run accident. We look at every source of insurance, which may include:
- Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage
- UM coverage on a policy of a household family member
- The driver, if identified, and their insurer
- The vehicle owner, if identified
- Medical payments (MedPay) coverage on your policy
Evidence That Can Make or Break Your Case
Much of it disappears within days. The sooner you call, the more we can preserve.
- A police report made promptly after the crash
- Photos of the scene, your vehicle, paint transfer, and debris
- Traffic, business, and doorbell camera footage from nearby
- Witness names, phone numbers, and partial plates
- Your written notice to your insurance company
- Medical records starting from the day of the crash
California Hit and Run Accident Laws You Should Know
Rules that shape hit-and-run accident claims in Los Angeles and across California.
Leaving the scene is a crime
California Vehicle Code §20001 requires drivers involved in an injury crash to stop, help, and exchange information. Fleeing is a crime.
Physical contact rule
For a hit-and-run uninsured motorist claim, California Insurance Code §11580.2 generally requires that the unknown vehicle made physical contact with you or your vehicle.
Report quickly
The same law generally requires a report to police within 24 hours and notice to your insurance company within 30 days. Missing these deadlines can put your claim at risk.
Two-year deadline
Most injury claims must be filed within two years, and UM claims have their own time limits for resolving the claim or demanding arbitration.
Compensation After a Los Angeles Hit and Run Accident
Every hit-and-run accident case is different. Depending on your injuries and the facts, a claim may include:
Medical bills
Ambulance, emergency room, hospital stays, surgery, imaging, and doctor visits.
Future medical care
Physical therapy, chiropractic care, pain management, and future procedures.
Lost wages
Income you lost while you were hurt, in treatment, or unable to work.
Reduced earning ability
Lost future income if your injuries limit the work you can do.
Pain & suffering
Physical pain, discomfort, and reduced quality of life.
Emotional distress
Anxiety, sleep problems, and fear of driving after a crash.
Property damage
Repair or replacement of your vehicle, bike, or belongings, plus rental costs while your vehicle is out of service.
Out-of-pocket costs
Prescriptions, medical equipment, travel to appointments, and household help.
We can't promise any result, and no one honestly can. After a free review of your facts, we'll explain what your claim may include.
How Our Los Angeles Hit and Run Lawyers Handle Your Case
Here's what happens when you hire our Los Angeles hit-and-run lawyers, from your first call to the end of your case.
Call us 24/7
Call (213) 474-7463. A member of our intake team answers, listens to what happened in your hit-and-run accident, and gathers the basic facts in English or Spanish.
Free case review
We review your hit-and-run accident, explain your rights and deadlines, and answer your questions. There's no cost and no obligation.
We take over
We investigate the hit-and-run accident, deal with the insurance companies, gather the police report, photos, and medical records, and help you get the care you need.
We pursue your claim
We build your hit-and-run accident claim and negotiate with the insurers. If a fair resolution isn't offered, we're prepared to take your case to court in Los Angeles.
Why Choose Call Jacob as Your Los Angeles Hit and Run Lawyer
Choosing a hit-and-run lawyer in Los Angeles is a big decision. Here's what you get when you call Jacob.
Since 1996
Nearly three decades helping people injured in hit-and-run accidents across Southern California.
556 five-star reviews
Real reviews from clients on Google and Yelp.
Available 24/7
Hit and Run Accidents don't happen on a schedule. Our intake team answers day and night.
Hablamos Español
A Spanish-speaking team that can walk you through every step in your language.
No Upfront Fees
You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
We know Los Angeles
Local roads, police agencies, hospitals, and courts. We know how hit-and-run accidents in Los Angeles are investigated and handled.
What Our Clients Say
Reviews from real clients on Google and Yelp.
“After my auto accident, the law offices of Jacob [Emrani] made a stressful situation so much easier. They were professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about my case.”Ari D.Google review
“I decided to call Jacob Emrani not knowing what to expect because I've never been in a car accident before. His staff was friendly, help me through the process…”Carlos Y.Google review
“After my car accident I turned to Jacob Emrani for my legal representation. I received the medical attention I needed right away.”Dale S.Google review
“Whenever I had questions they were right on it with a quick response! Thank you all! I will be referring you to family and friends…”Ashley B.Google review
“It was Sally who answered the phone and who walked me through starting the process… She was so kind and helpful. So far, I am glad I called the office of Jacob Emrani.”Cathy K.Google review
556 Five-Star Client Reviews on Google & Yelp
Hurt in a hit-and-run accident? Don't wait.
Evidence disappears and deadlines keep running. Call a Los Angeles hit and run lawyer now for a free, confidential case review.
Hit and Run Lawyers Serving All of Los Angeles
We help people hurt in hit-and-run accidents on the freeways, boulevards, and neighborhood streets throughout Los Angeles.
Neighborhoods & nearby cities
- Downtown LA
- South LA
- Koreatown
- Hollywood
- East LA
- Boyle Heights
- Westlake
- Mid-City
- Watts
- Wilmington
- San Pedro
- Van Nuys
- North Hollywood
- Pacoima
Freeways & highways
- I-110 & I-10 interchange
- Western Ave
- Vermont Ave
- Figueroa St
- Sepulveda Blvd
- Hollywood & Sunset
- South LA corridors
Busy corridors
- Wilshire Blvd
- Sunset Blvd
- Figueroa St
- Western Ave
- Vermont Ave
- Olympic Blvd
- Crenshaw Blvd
- La Brea Ave
Who takes the report
- Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) on freeways
- Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in unincorporated areas and contract cities
Area hospitals
- LAC+USC Medical Center
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
- California Hospital Medical Center
Local court
- Los Angeles County Superior Court, where most civil injury cases are filed at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown
Los Angeles Hit and Run Lawyer FAQs
Straight answers to the questions people ask us most after a hit-and-run in Los Angeles. Don't see yours? Call (213) 474-7463.
Can I get compensation if the hit-and-run driver is never found?
Often, yes. If you have uninsured motorist coverage on your auto policy, or live with a family member who does, that coverage may pay for your injuries. The claim is made against your own insurer, which can be just as tough to deal with as the other side. We handle it for you.
I don't have car insurance. Do I have any options?
Possibly. A household family member's policy may cover you, and if the driver is later identified, you may have a claim against their insurance. Call us for a free review of your situation.
How soon do I need to report a hit-and-run?
Right away. For uninsured motorist claims, California law generally requires a police report within 24 hours and notice to your insurer within 30 days. Call us as soon as you can so we can help protect your claim.
Will my insurance rates go up if I make a hit-and-run UM claim?
California law generally prohibits insurers from raising your rates for a claim where you weren't at fault. We can explain how this applies to your policy.
What if the hit-and-run driver is found later?
Then you may have a claim against that driver's insurance. If their coverage is too low, your underinsured motorist coverage may help make up the difference.
I was a passenger in a car that was hit by a fleeing driver. Whose coverage applies?
Possibly the UM coverage on the car you were in, and possibly your own or a household family member's policy. We review every policy that may apply.
Can I claim if the driver sideswiped me and kept going, but there was no damage to my car?
Physical contact is generally required for hit-and-run UM claims, but contact can include contact with your body or bike. Talk to us about the facts.
How much does it cost to hire a hit and run lawyer in Los Angeles?
The first consultation is free. We handle hit-and-run accident cases on a contingency fee, which means you don't pay attorney fees upfront; our fee comes from a recovery in your case. Your written fee agreement explains the percentage and how case costs are handled before you sign anything.
How long do I have to file a hit-and-run accident claim in California?
Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash. Property damage claims generally have three years. If a government vehicle, public transit, or a dangerous public road was involved, a written claim is usually due within six months. Some exceptions apply, so call us to confirm the deadline for your hit-and-run accident case.
What if I was partly at fault for the hit-and-run accident?
You may still recover. California uses pure comparative fault, so your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, not eliminated. Don't admit fault to anyone; let the evidence decide.
Should I talk to the insurance company after a hit-and-run accident?
You should report the crash to your own insurer as your policy requires, but you are not required to give the other side's insurer a recorded statement. Talk to a hit and run lawyer before you do.
I haven't seen a doctor since the hit-and-run accident. Is that a problem?
Get checked out as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions and soft-tissue injuries, don't show symptoms right away. A gap between the crash and your first treatment is something insurers often use to question your injuries. We can help you find care.
Will my hit-and-run accident case go to court?
Most hit-and-run accident claims resolve through negotiation without a trial. If the insurance company won't make a fair offer, filing a lawsuit may be the right move, and we're prepared to take your case to court.
Does your Los Angeles hit and run lawyer team speak Spanish?
Yes. Hablamos español. Our Spanish-speaking team can handle your call and your hit-and-run accident case in Spanish from start to finish.
Talk to a Los Angeles Hit and Run Lawyer Today
One call is all it takes to get answers about your hit-and-run accident claim. Our intake team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Spanish.
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