Every 18 minutes, someone in LA is left behind by a hit-and-run driver. The impact isn’t just about bent metal or hospital bills. It’s the shock of watching someone speed away. It’s not knowing who will help or how to make things right.
If you’re in this position, you don’t need a lecture. You need clarity. An experienced Los Angeles hit-and-run accident lawyer who can help you make sense of what happened and what comes next. That’s what we do at the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti.
We’ve helped people in California just like you people hit while driving home from work or crossing the street near their local grocery store. We help them deal with police reports, handle uncooperative insurers, and fight for the money they need to recover.
You deserve answers. Let’s start with a conversation. Schedule a free consultation with a trusted Los Angeles car accident attorney today.
Why You Need a Hit-and-Run Attorney in Los Angeles
Hit-and-run cases aren’t like other car accidents. When the responsible driver takes off, you’re left with fewer answers and more pressure. Police reports might be thin. The insurance provider could delay or deny your claim. You’re still injured, and the bills don’t wait.
Working with a hit and run law firm gives you someone who knows how to press for answers and how to move forward even if the driver isn’t found right away.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we’ve helped people deal with the legal mess that follows these accidents. Maybe you were rear-ended at a stoplight. Or maybe your car was sideswiped late at night, and the other driver never stopped. Either way, we know how to work with local law enforcement, gather evidence, and deal with tough insurance companies to help you get fair compensation.
And timing matters. The sooner you talk to an experienced accident lawyer, the easier it is to protect your rights and build a strong case.
Understanding California Hit-and-Run Laws
Under California law, a hit-and-run isn’t just a traffic violation it can be a serious criminal charge. If someone leaves the scene after causing injury or even property damage, they’ve likely broken Vehicle Code 20001 or 20002. Whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony depends on the harm caused.
Misdemeanors usually involve damage to a car or property. Felonies come into play when someone is hurt or killed. But either way, leaving the scene without providing reasonable assistance or information is illegal.
What many accident victims don’t realize is that criminal charges and civil compensation are separate. Even if the hit-and-run driver is facing court time, you still need to file a personal injury claim to recover your medical costs, lost income, and pain. A legal team that understands this process can help you move forward on both fronts.
What to Do Right After a Hit-and-Run in LA
If you’ve just been in a hit-and-run accident in Los Angeles, your first step is safety. Get medical attention even if you feel okay. Some injuries show up later, and having documentation helps both your health and your case.
Next, call 911 and file a police report. Officers will gather details from the accident scene and may be able to track down the responsible party. If you can, take photos, collect witness statements, and write down what you remember. Every detail helps.
Then, speak with an accident attorney. A good legal team can step in before the insurance company tries to limit your claim. They’ll make sure the police report reflects what really happened and that your insurance policy especially any uninsured motorist coverage works for you.
This early support often makes the difference between a delayed payout and the financial compensation you actually need for your recovery.
Types of Hit-and-Run Accidents in California
Not every hit-and-run looks the same. Some involve serious injuries. Others may just seem like frustrating property damage. But no matter the type of accident, if the other driver left the scene, you have legal options and you deserve answers.
Here are the most common types of hit-and-run cases our experienced team handles:
- Property Damage Only – Someone hits your parked car, mailbox, or garage and disappears without leaving contact info. Even for minor damages, it’s illegal to leave the scene.
- Injury Accidents – You’re rear-ended or sideswiped, the other car speeds off, and now you’re dealing with physical pain, medical records, and a car repair bill alone.
- Fatal Collisions – In tragic cases, a loved one is killed and the driver responsible flees. These cases often turn into wrongful death civil claims.
- DUI Hit-and-Runs – A common and serious type of accident where the at-fault driver is under the influence. These often result in both jail time and civil lawsuits.
- Pedestrian or Cyclist Hit-and-Runs – These are especially cruel. A distracted or reckless driver strikes someone on foot or bike and leaves them behind without help.
- Commercial Vehicle Hit-and-Runs – Delivery trucks or rideshare drivers involved in a hit-and-run car accident can be traced through company records or nearby businesses with cameras.
Why Drivers Flee - and What That Means for You
People run for all sorts of reasons. Some are drunk or high. Others don’t have insurance. Some panic because they’re already breaking the law driving on a suspended license or with a warrant.
But when they flee, it often tells investigators something important: they knew they were at fault.
Law enforcement officers and accident attorneys look closely at the accident location, surveillance footage, and potential witnesses. Sometimes nearby businesses have critical evidence. Sometimes it’s a matter of finding the right camera at the right angle.
For you, the victim, this doesn’t just affect a criminal case. It also plays a big role in how insurance companies view your claim and how civil claims move forward.
Can You Still Recover Compensation After a Hit-and-Run?
Yes, you still have options, even if the other driver is never found.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it may cover your medical bills, lost income, and even pain and emotional distress. This is a common option in hit-and-run accident cases, and our experienced hit-and-run accident attorneys know how to work with insurers to push for the maximum payout.
If the driver is identified later, you may have the chance to file a personal injury lawsuit or claim for damages. Depending on the case, this could also include punitive damages especially in cases of reckless or drunk driving.
Don’t wait too long. California has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases. A conversation with legal counsel now can save you a lot of frustration later.
FAQs: Hit-and-Run Cases in California
How much can you sue for in a hit-and-run?
It depends on how badly you were hurt and how the crash affected your life. You can ask for compensation for injuries, medical treatment, missed work, repair or replacement costs, and even mental anguish. If the injuries are long-term like chronic pain or damage to internal organs you may also be able to recover future care costs.
We’ve handled hit-and-run personal injury cases that settled for a few thousand dollars and others that resulted in six-figure payouts. It’s not about the average it’s about what you need to recover.
What if you’re accused of a hit-and-run?
This can get serious, fast. You could face a misdemeanor charge or even felony charges, depending on what happened. But not everyone who leaves the scene is trying to hide. Sometimes people panic, or they think no damage was done. A personal injury lawyer can help you sort out what really happened and build a paper trail to protect you. For example, if you returned later to file a police accident report, that detail could make a difference. Legal action might still be involved but you don’t have to face it alone.
Can charges be dropped or reduced?
Yes, they can especially if the facts aren’t clear or if you acted quickly to fix the situation. In some cases, if you report the accident soon after or cooperate fully, prosecutors may consider a lighter charge. Your legal team plays a crucial role here. They’ll work with the DA’s office and help you avoid a criminal record if possible.
How long does an investigation take?
There’s no set timeline. Some hit-and-run collisions get solved in days with clear physical evidence like a license plate left at the scene. Others drag on for weeks or months. It depends on traffic cams, witness statements, weather conditions, and how fast law enforcement agencies process the case. Having a lawyer involved early can help track updates and make sure the case stays active.
What’s the statute of limitations?
In California, the statute of limitations can be strict. For a personal injury claim, you usually have two years from the date of the accident. Criminal charges work differently sometimes extending further, especially in serious cases. Either way, waiting too long can hurt your case. The sooner you get legal consultation, the more options you’ll have.
How a Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Lawyer Can Help You
A hit-and-run accident is more than just a crash it’s a mess of police reports, medical bills, and unclear next steps. That’s where the right personal injury attorneys make a difference.
We deal with law enforcement, track down physical evidence, and help you through the legal process so you can focus on getting better. Whether you’re dealing with auto insurance claims or taking legal action against a fault party, we know how to build a strong case. We’ve handled everything from minor collisions to catastrophic injuries and long-term care needs.
If you’re the victim, we’ll help you push for maximum compensation. If you’re the accused driver, we’ll help you understand what’s at stake and how to protect yourself. Either way, our experienced team takes a direct, honest approach and delivers exceptional customer service every step of the way.
Talk to a Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Lawyer Who Knows Your Rights
After a hit-and-run, you don’t need to figure everything out right away. You just need to take one solid next step. Start with a free legal consultation at the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti.
You’ll meet with an experienced lawyer who understands the legal landscape in Los Angeles and who’s handled hit-and-run accident cases across California, from San Diego to Orange County. No pressure. No upfront fees. And no surprises.
You only pay if we win your case.
Let’s talk. Let’s fight. Let’s win. Contact us today.
