Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
A hit-and-run happens when a driver flees the scene of an accident without providing their contact and insurance information. Under California law, all drivers involved in a collision must stop and exchange details. Failing to do so is a serious offense. If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run, it’s crucial to seek legal support to protect your rights.
The Los Angeles hit-and-run accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker are here to protect you. You’re hurt, you’re confused, and the person responsible just drove away. We’ll take it from here.
- 50+ years helping LA accident victims, backed by real client reviews
- Over $2 Billion recovered for clients*
- 24/7 availability for immediate support
Call now or submit your request for a free case evaluation to secure the justice you deserve.
*Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome. Amounts listed are gross recoveries before attorney fees and costs.
A Legacy of Fighting for Los Angeles
For over 50 years, The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker has been the unwavering advocate for accident victims across Los Angeles. We fight for the people of this city. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients, earning us a reputation as a legal powerhouse you can trust to fight harder than anyone for YOU.
- Trusted by over 100,000 clients in Los Angeles since 1972
- Recognized by major media outlets for landmark injury cases
- Dedicated bilingual support team available 24/7
A hit-and-run accident leaves victims feeling abandoned and helpless. In the blink of an eye, you are left dealing with mounting medical bills, lost income from missing work, and the physical pain of recovery, all while wondering who is going to pay for the damage when the other driver is nowhere to be found.
We understand the anger and anxiety you are feeling. You deserve justice, not excuses. Our role is to step in as your compassionate but aggressive advocates. We handle the investigators, the insurance companies, and the legal complexities so you can focus on one thing: getting better.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run in Los Angeles
- Put your safety first. Move to a safe location if you can and wait for emergency responders. Don’t ignore pain or dizziness. Those can be signs of serious injury.
- Get medical care as soon as possible. Many hit-and-run injuries aren’t obvious right away. A prompt medical visit protects your health and creates important documentation.
- Report the crash immediately. Call law enforcement and make sure a hit-and-run report is filed. This record is often required for insurance and legal claims.
- Capture details while they’re fresh. Take photos of your vehicle, the roadway, and anything left behind. Write down any details you remember about the fleeing car, even if they seem minor.
- Ask around. Nearby drivers, pedestrians, or residents may have seen what happened or noticed the vehicle leaving the scene.
- Identify nearby cameras. Traffic cameras, store surveillance, and doorbell cameras can provide crucial evidence.
- Be cautious with insurance conversations. You can report the crash, but avoid detailed or recorded statements until you understand your rights.
- Reach out for legal guidance. A Los Angeles hit-and-run accident attorney can help track down evidence, manage uninsured motorist coverage, and handle insurers while you focus on healing.
Common Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has, unfortunately, been dubbed the “Hit-and-Run Capital” of the nation by various media outlets. Nearly half of the 40,000 car accidents reported annually in America’s second-largest city are classified as hit-and-runs, far exceeding the national average, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
This issue is closely tied to the city’s heavy traffic and dense urban activity. High-traffic corridors and pedestrian-heavy areas, such as Downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood, are particularly prone to these types of accidents, making them some of the most dangerous locations for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Drivers flee for many reasons, usually out of fear of consequences.
- Unlicensed or Uninsured Drivers: Many drivers flee because they shouldn’t be on the road in the first place.
- DUI/DWI: Drivers under the influence often try to flee to avoid arrest.
- Outstanding Warrants: A driver with legal trouble will often panic and leave the scene.
- Congested Freeways: On the 405, the 10, or the 101, traffic density can lead to collisions, as drivers may think they can disappear into the flow of cars.
- Dangerous Intersections: High-risk areas like Sepulveda & Imperial Highway see frequent collisions, with drivers panicking and running.
Common Injuries in Hit-and-Run Cases
When a driver flees, they often leave victims without immediate help, which can exacerbate injuries. According to the 2015-2025 Los Angeles Vision Zero study, hit-and-run collisions account for 18% of all crashes resulting in death or severe injury. They also represent nearly one-quarter of all pedestrian and bicycle collisions involving fatal or life-altering injuries.
We represent clients suffering from:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
- Internal Organ Damage
- Severe Lacerations and Scarring
- Soft Tissue Damage (Whiplash)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
When Can Hit-and-Run Accident Victims File a Claim?
A hit-and-run is a reckless decision to flee and leave someone injured without help. When a driver causes a crash and flees instead of stopping, California law still provides ways for victims to seek compensation and hold the driver accountable.
If you were injured because another driver fled the scene after causing an accident, you may have the right to pursue a claim, even if that driver is never identified.
How Negligence Leads to Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run crashes usually occur when a driver tries to avoid responsibility. Common reasons include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving or excessive speeding
- Driving without insurance or a valid license
- Fear of arrest, citations, or legal consequences
- Reckless or aggressive driving behavior
What You Must Prove to Recover Compensation
Even without the at-fault driver present, you can still pursue compensation by showing:
- Negligence: Another driver caused the crash through unsafe or unlawful behavior
- Causation: That conduct directly led to the accident and your injuries
- Damages: You suffered measurable harm, such as medical bills, lost income, pain, or emotional distress
Vehicle Code of California & Hit-and-Runs
California Vehicle Code 20001 VC governs hit-and-run accidents involving injury. This law makes it illegal for a driver to leave the scene of an accident where another person has been injured or killed. If an accident only causes property damage, the offense is a misdemeanor. However, if the accident results in injury or death, the driver can be charged with a felony hit and run.
A felony hit-and-run offense occurs if a driver continues driving after being involved in an accident that causes injury or death. The elements of this crime are:
- Another person was injured or killed.
- The driver, regardless of who was at fault for the collision, failed to stop.
- The driver did not provide their contact information.
You can be charged with a hit and run even if you were not at fault for the accident. This means you must stop and remain at the scene of any collision where someone may have been injured. You should exchange information with the other parties involved and give a statement to the police.
Hit-and-run cases can be especially challenging because evidence disappears quickly, and insurers may resist paying without a named driver. An experienced hit-and-run accident attorney can investigate the crash, secure camera footage, identify insurance options like uninsured motorist coverage, and fight for a resolution based on your circumstances.
Who May Be Liable?
Just because the other driver fled doesn’t mean there is no one to hold accountable. We investigate every angle to find liability.
- The Fleeing Driver: If we catch them, we hold them fully responsible for their negligence and the crime of fleeing.
- Your Own Insurance (UM/UIM): If the driver is not found or is uninsured, we file a claim against your Uninsured Motorist coverage. This is often the primary source of recovery in hit-and-run cases.
- Employers: If the fleeing driver was in a company vehicle or on the job, their employer may be liable.
- Public Agencies: If a dangerous road condition or broken traffic signal contributed to the crash, the city or state might share blame.
- Rideshare Companies: If the incident involved an Uber or Lyft, specific corporate insurance policies may apply.
Damages You Can Recover
We believe nobody should settle for less than what’s right. We fight for compensation based on your losses across all categories.
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: Current bills and costs for surgeries, rehab, or therapy.
- Lost Earnings: Wages lost while you were recovering.
- Future Medical Care: Long-term costs for permanent injuries.
- Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Rental cars, prescription medications, and travel to appointments.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain you endured.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, and trauma from the crash.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in hobbies or daily activities.
- Loss of Consortium: Impact on your relationship with your spouse.
Punitive Damages
If the hit-and-run driver is identified and caught, their actions may be deemed more than just negligent; they may be considered reckless and malicious. In these specific circumstances, California law allows us to pursue punitive damages.
Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are meant to compensate you for your losses, punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault driver for their egregious behavior and deter others from similar conduct.
Our team of experienced hit-and-run accident attorneys takes a thorough, methodical approach to quantifying and calculating all your losses. We meticulously review medical bills, lost wages, property damage assessments, and any other out-of-pocket expenses directly associated with the accident. Our firm also uses established legal frameworks and precedents to ensure that these intangible losses are monetized fairly and comprehensively.
With our dedicated team and resources, we advocate for compensation consistent with applicable law.
Statute of Limitations in California
Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California.
However, in certain hit-and-run cases, California law provides an extended timeline. Under Assembly Bill 184, the statute of limitations may extend to 6 years.
It is crucial to a case to file a claim as soon as possible following an accident to preserve evidence and avoid any mistakes that can cost you. Contact a Los Angeles hit-and-run accident lawyer who can assess your situation and file a case immediately.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Hit-and-Run Accident
After a hit-and-run, many people assume their own insurance company will take care of everything. In reality, insurers are still businesses focused on limiting what they pay, even on uninsured motorist claims.
Here’s how the best hit-and-run accident attorney Los Angeles offers helps protect you:
- Stops lowball settlement tactics: Insurance companies often rush to offer far less than your claim is worth. An attorney pushes back and seeks a fair resolution.
- Handles all insurer communication: We prevent recorded statements and misleading questions that can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
- Preserves and uncovers evidence: Attorneys can secure traffic-camera footage, surveillance video, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence before it disappears.
- Navigates uninsured motorist claims: These claims are frequently disputed. We know how to enforce your policy benefits.
- Proves the full value of your losses: We document medical care, future treatment, lost income, pain, and emotional trauma.
- Manages deadlines and paperwork: One missed deadline can end a claim. We ensure everything is filed correctly and on time.
- Negotiates from strength, or goes to court: If the insurer won’t be fair, we’re prepared to escalate the case and fight for you.
You shouldn’t have to battle insurance companies while recovering from your injuries. A lawyer for hit-and-run accidents takes on the legal fight so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
How We Build Your Case
We have a proven process designed to get results. When you hire us, we immediately go to work.
- Free Case Evaluation: We listen to your story and explain your legal options at no cost.
- Investigation: We deploy investigators to the scene, track down footage, and work to identify the fleeing driver.
- Expert Consultation: We work with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and forensic experts to reconstruct the crash.
- Calculating Damages: We account for every penny you have lost, including future impacts.
- Negotiation: We advocate for a resolution based on your documented losses. If they refuse to be fair, we don’t back down.
- Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Why Choose Us?
We are Los Angeles’ tough, experienced legal team.
- 50+ Years Serving LA: We know the local courts, judges, and insurers.
- Proven Results: We have secured billions for our clients.
- Contingency Fee Arrangements Available: Attorney’s fees depend on the outcome of the case, and case costs may be handled separately.
- Personalized Attention: You are not just a case file; you are our priority.
Don’t wait. We will fight for you. Contact us now for your free consultation.
Client Testimonials
We fight for Los Angeles, and our results are our greatest endorsement. Read the reviews from clients we’ve successfully defended.
“From the moment I called them to the moment the case finished, they took care of everything, and I got the proper care and compensation for my time. There’s a reason they are top-notch in what they do, and it seems that they will be there for years to come.” – E Castro
“I loved how, as soon as I called Larry H Parker, one of the associates immediately came to me.” – Sasha Flores
Disclaimer: Testimonials are voluntary statements from former clients. They are not intended to create expectations about outcomes and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of results.
Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Near Me
Our Los Angeles hit-and-run accident lawyers serve clients across the county, including Downtown LA, the San Fernando Valley, West LA, South LA, and surrounding areas.
Central Los Angeles & Core Business Hubs
- Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)
- Century City
- Mid-Wilshire / Miracle Mile
- Koreatown
Westside & The “Silicon Beach” Corridor
- Beverly Hills
- Santa Monica
- Culver City
- Playa Vista
- Westwood
- Malibu
San Fernando Valley (The Valley) & North County
- Burbank
- Studio City / Sherman Oaks
- Woodland Hills / Warner Center
- Santa Clarita
South Bay & Harbor Area
- Torrance
- El Segundo / LAX Corridor
- Long Beach
- Inglewood
- San Pedro
San Gabriel Valley (SGV) & Northeast
- Pasadena
- Glendale
- Alhambra / Monterey Park
- East Los Angeles (Unincorporated Area Focus)
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
California is a “pure comparative negligence” state. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially to blame. Your compensation will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. Do not admit fault at the scene; let us investigate.
Do I need a police report?
Yes. In a hit-and-run, the police report is crucial evidence that a crime occurred. Insurance companies often require processing an uninsured motorist claim.
Can I still recover compensation if the driver is never found?
Yes. Many victims pursue compensation through their uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or other applicable insurance policies.
Do I have to use my own insurance?
Often, yes. In hit-and-run cases, claims are commonly made through your own UM coverage, but insurers may still challenge or undervalue these claims.
What if the hit-and-run driver is later identified?
If the driver is found, your claim may shift to their insurance, and additional compensation options may become available.
What if I were hit as a pedestrian or cyclist?
You may still have coverage through your auto insurance, a household policy, or other available sources, depending on the situation.
How much does it cost to hire you?
It costs you nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney’s fees depend on the outcome of the case, and case costs may be handled separately.
For more answers, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Don’t Settle For Less Than What’s Right
The clock is ticking on your claim. The sooner you call, the sooner we can start protecting your rights. Fill out our contact form to start your claim. We are ready to fight for you 24/7.
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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.
