Leaving the scene of a traffic accident is one of the most serious driving offenses in California. Under California hit-and-run laws, every driver must stop, exchange information, and help anyone injured. Failing to do so can lead to criminal charges and civil liability. Victims, too, have specific rights that allow them to seek recovery through insurance and legal claims.
A hit-and-run crash can leave you shaken, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next. Whether you are the driver who stayed at the scene or the victim left behind, knowing what California law says about these incidents helps you protect yourself and build a clear path forward. Deldar Legal is here to explain it all and help you recover from injuries after a California hit-and-run accident.
Table of Contents
- What California Hit-and-Run Laws Mean for Drivers and Victims
- Why Drivers Leave the Scene
- Criminal Penalties Under California Hit-and-Run Laws
- What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in California
- Insurance Options After a Hit-and-Run Accident
- Proving a Hit-and-Run Case
- Civil Liability and Financial Recovery
- Statute of Limitations Under California Hit-and-Run Laws
- Preventing Hit-and-Run Accidents in California
- FAQs for California Hit-and-Run Laws
- Call Deldar Now
- Related Content for California Hit-and-Run Laws
What California Hit-and-Run Laws Mean for Drivers and Victims
California hit-and-run laws are designed to protect public safety and encourage accountability. The law requires every driver involved in a crash that causes injury, death, or property damage to stop immediately. They must share their name, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information with the other party or with law enforcement.
When a driver leaves the scene, two types of cases can arise. A misdemeanor hit-and-run occurs when only property damage exists. A felony hit-and-run applies when another person is hurt or killed. Both violations can result in fines, license suspension, and jail time. The law does not excuse drivers who panic, fear arrest, or have no insurance.
Victims of a hit-and-run can still seek compensation. California allows claims through insurance coverage, including uninsured motorist protection, which applies when the other driver cannot be found. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthens any potential claim for damages.
Why Drivers Leave the Scene
Many drivers flee a crash due to fear, confusion, or poor judgment. Common reasons include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Operating a vehicle without insurance
- Driving on a suspended license
- Fear of arrest or immigration consequences
- Believing the accident was too minor to report
California courts take these motives seriously but do not consider them valid excuses. The duty to stop is absolute, and failure to do so creates both criminal exposure and civil liability.
Criminal Penalties Under California Hit-and-Run Laws
Two main statutes define California hit-and-run laws:
- Vehicle Code §20001 – Leaving the scene of an accident that causes injury or death.
- Vehicle Code §20002 – Leaving the scene of an accident that causes property damage only.
Under §20001, a felony conviction may lead to fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to four years. For §20002, a misdemeanor conviction may bring fines of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. Both require restitution for damages and potential suspension of the driver’s license.
Every driver has a legal duty to stop and provide aid when needed. Even minor accidents should be reported to police and insurance companies to avoid harsher penalties later.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in California
Knowing what to do in the first few minutes after a hit-and-run can make all the difference in your recovery and claim.
Step 1: Call 911
Report the crash to police and request medical assistance for anyone injured. A police report creates an official record and helps investigators locate the fleeing driver.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
If you can do so safely, write down or photograph the vehicle’s color, make, and license plate. Note the direction it traveled. Collect witness names, nearby surveillance camera locations, and any details that could help identify the driver.
Step 3: Seek Medical Care
Even if injuries appear minor, get evaluated by a medical professional. Prompt treatment protects your health and provides vital documentation for insurance and legal claims.
Step 4: Contact Your Insurer and Law Enforcement
Report the crash to your insurance provider and the Department of Motor Vehicles. Provide a copy of the police report once available.
Step 5: Consult a California Personal Injury Lawyer
An attorney familiar with traffic and insurance law can assist with your claim, communicate with insurers, and identify sources of compensation such as uninsured motorist coverage.
Insurance Options After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Victims are not without help when the other driver disappears. Several types of coverage can apply under California hit-and-run laws:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
Uninsured motorist coverage pays for injuries and losses when the at-fault driver cannot be found or does not carry valid insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the fleeing driver has insurance but not enough to cover the full cost of medical bills and damages. These protections are part of most California auto insurance policies unless the driver rejects them in writing. Using UM or UIM coverage allows you to seek compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and pain related to the crash.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage repairs your vehicle after a crash, no matter who caused it. This protection helps you move forward without waiting for the other driver to be identified. Submitting a claim under your collision policy can speed up repairs and keep your transportation needs on track. While you may need to pay your deductible, your insurer can later seek repayment from the at-fault driver if they are found.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
Medical payments coverage provides fast access to funds for treatment after a hit and run. MedPay pays for hospital visits, ambulance rides, and other medical care right away without needing to prove fault. It also covers passengers injured in your vehicle and can work together with health insurance for added protection. Having this coverage means you can focus on recovery instead of worrying about unpaid bills while investigations continue.
Together, these insurance options create a safety net for victims of hit and run crashes. They reduce financial stress, keep medical care accessible, and give you time to pursue justice under California hit-and-run laws.
Proving a Hit-and-Run Case
Evidence plays a key role in both criminal prosecution and civil recovery. A strong California hit-and-run laws claim rests on clear proof that the driver failed to stop and that their actions caused measurable harm.
Useful evidence includes:
- Police and CHP reports detailing witness statements and damage patterns
- Surveillance or dash camera footage from nearby intersections or vehicles
- Photos of debris, skid marks, and vehicle damage
- Medical records linking injuries to the crash
- Testimony from eyewitnesses who saw the vehicle flee
Prompt reporting also helps investigators track license plates through surveillance networks. Victims who gather information early improve their chance of identifying the responsible driver or filing a stronger uninsured motorist claim.
Civil Liability and Financial Recovery
Even if the fleeing driver faces criminal charges, victims can file civil claims for damages. Under California hit-and-run laws, you may recover:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage for your vehicle or personal belongings
- Pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life
For fatal collisions, families may pursue a wrongful death claim to cover funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Civil recovery focuses on restoring what was lost, separate from any criminal penalties the driver may face.
Statute of Limitations Under California Hit-and-Run Laws
Every claim under California hit-and-run laws must be filed within specific time limits. Victims have two years from the date of injury to bring a personal injury claim and three years for property damage. Claims against public agencies, such as city or state vehicles, must be submitted within six months of the crash.
Key filing deadlines to remember:
- Two years for personal injury claims
- Three years for property damage claims
- Six months for claims against government entities
Time moves quickly after a collision, and crucial details can disappear. Witnesses may forget what they saw, and security footage can be erased within days. Taking action early protects your right to recovery and strengthens your claim under California law.
Preventing Hit-and-Run Accidents in California
Preventing hit-and-run incidents starts with responsibility behind the wheel. Every driver can play a part in reducing these crimes.
Tips for safer driving and responsible response:
- Stay calm after a crash and move vehicles to a safe area if possible
- Exchange information even when damage appears minor
- Call police to report every accident, no matter the size
- Keep a dash camera or use your phone to document collisions
- Carry active insurance and know what coverage you have
The California Office of Traffic Safety reports thousands of hit-and-run collisions each year. Awareness and accountability help protect everyone on the road.
FAQs for California Hit-and-Run Laws
Drivers must provide their name, address, license number, and insurance details to the other party or law enforcement before leaving the scene.
File a police report immediately and contact your insurer. You may be able to use uninsured motorist coverage to recover damages. Next, call an attorney to represent
Yes. Many hit-and-run accident investigations rely on video from traffic cameras, gas stations, or stores to identify fleeing vehicles.
It depends on your policy. If you were not at fault and used uninsured motorist coverage, rate increases are less likely.
Investigation times vary based on evidence and available leads. Providing detailed information and camera footage can speed up the process.
Call Deldar Now
At Deldar Legal, we’re more than just attorneys, we’re your partners in recovery. If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve a top-rated car accident lawyer in California who will fight for your rights and help you rebuild your life. From the moment you contact us, we handle everything, from medical appointments and transportation to insurance negotiations and legal paperwork, so you can focus on healing.
Our experienced team represents clients across a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Slip-and-fall and premises liability claims
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Deldar Legal is here to help. We offer free consultations and work on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no risk in reaching out.
Call us today at (844) 335-3271 or contact us to speak with an experienced California injury lawyer. Let Deldar Legal fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Related Content for California Hit-and-Run Laws
Key Takeaways
- California hit-and-run laws require drivers to stop, exchange information, and help injured parties or face criminal penalties.
- Drivers can face felony charges for causing injury or death and misdemeanor charges for property damage only under these laws.
- Victims of hit-and-run accidents can still seek compensation through insurance options like uninsured motorist coverage and collision coverage.
- Knowing what to do immediately after a hit-and-run can aid recovery, including calling 911, gathering evidence, and reporting to insurance.
- Victims have specific time limits to file claims, including two years for personal injury and three years for property damage under California hit-and-run laws.