You should hire a lawyer for a hit-and-run accident in California to explore your coverage options or pursue a third-party claim if authorities eventually identify the at-fault driver.
A hit-and-run accident lawyer in Los Angeles can review your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, MedPay, and collision benefits, then gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and video to support a claim.
If the driver is found, they can pursue a liability claim and coordinate any underinsured motorist benefits to close gaps. They also address denials, low offers, and legal deadlines, helping clients negotiate for the compensation they deserve or pursue legal action if possible and necessary.
How UM/UIM Works in California Hit-and-Run Accident Cases
You may be able to secure compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy when the at-fault driver has no insurance, too little insurance, or cannot be identified. Keep in mind that this coverage is optional and cannot be retroactively applied. You would have had to purchase UM/UIM through your provider before the hit-and-run collision.
In California, this coverage typically applies to hit-and-run collisions if there is evidence of physical contact and the crash is reported to law enforcement within a reasonable time.
A car accident lawyer in Los Angeles helps hit-and-run accident victims file a claim by:
- Interprets your policy: Confirms UM/UIM limits, offsets, exclusions, and any proof-of-contact or reporting requirements.
- Protects the claim early: An attorney acts promptly to notify your insurer, handle all the paperwork to file your claim, and preserve evidence to avoid a denied claim.
- Handles negotiations: A lawyer can counter lowball settlement offers with itemized support and push for fair valuation.
A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can file a claim under your policy while keeping options open if the driver is later identified.
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How a Lawyer Helps if the Driver Is Identified
If authorities identify the at-fault driver, a lawyer can file a liability claim to pursue additional compensation. They prepare a demand package that explains fault, causation, and damages, then negotiate with the insurer for a fair settlement.
Coordinating Insurance Benefits
If the at-fault party’s policy limits are too low to cover your damages, an attorney can evaluate underinsured motorist (UIM) benefits to cover any shortfall up to your UIM limits.
Filing a Lawsuit
When insurance is inadequate, but the driver has assets or additional responsible parties are liable, a lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit. Taking legal action against liable parties may also allow you to recover additional awards, including non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
How a Lawyer Improves Your Potential Recovery in a Hit-and-Run Accident Case
Insurers scrutinize hit-and-run claims for reporting gaps and proof-of-contact issues. Having legal representation sends a message to insurance companies, helping you pursue the results you deserve.
A lawyer organizes the claim, challenges low valuations, and uses a clear damages story to push UM/UIM adjusters toward stronger offers.
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Why Timing Matters in Hit-and-Run Cases
If authorities later identify the at-fault driver, you will want to be ready to take legal action. Under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1, California’s two-year personal injury statute sets the filing deadline for a lawsuit.
A lawyer keeps track of how much time you have to file a lawsuit while they negotiate with insurers or the liable party, preserving leverage. Insurers tend to take settlement discussions more seriously when they know the case can be filed before the statute of limitations expires.
You Can Hire a Lawyer on Contingency After a Hit-and-Run in California
After a hit-and-run, you can hire an attorney who works on contingency so that you do not have to pay up front to start your case.
Under this arrangement, the lawyer builds the case, handles communications with insurers, and pursues compensation through uninsured/underinsured motorist claims or a liability claim if the driver is identified, without charging hourly fees.
Payment comes as an agreed percentage of any settlement or verdict recovered. If there’s no recovery, attorney’s fees are typically not owed. This aligns the lawyer’s incentives with the client’s outcome and allows the claim to move forward while treatment, documentation, and negotiations progress.
You Should Hire a Lawyer After a Hit-and-Run Accident in California
There are several reasons why you should hire a lawyer after a hit-and-run accident in California. Without legal representation, reviewing your coverage, organizing evidence, and negotiating with insurers can prove difficult.
At Vaziri Law LLP, we bring over 200 years of combined experience to investigating claims, coordinating UM or UIM benefits, and pursuing liability claims or lawsuits if the driver is identified. Our case results include over $1 billion in client settlements and verdicts.
Contact us for a free consultation. We will review your options, explain the process, and help you move forward.
