Being left at the scene after a driver speeds off can be a confusing and stressful experience. Many people are unsure about what to do after a hit and run, especially when injuries or car damage are involved.

In California, the law requires all drivers to stop after a collision, exchange information, and provide help if someone is hurt.

When this does not happen, the situation becomes both a safety issue and a legal matter. Knowing the right steps early on can help protect your health, your rights, and any potential claims that may arise.

Below is general guidance to help victims understand what usually happens in these cases. Every situation is unique, so legal advice from a California car accident lawyer should be tailored to the specific facts of the accident.

What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident: First Steps for Your Safety

A hit and run accident occurs when a driver leaves the scene without stopping to identify themselves or check for injuries.

The moments after a collision can feel rushed, but slowing down and taking a few practical steps can prevent further harm. These steps also help create a record of what happened, which can be important later.

If you’re trying to understand what to do after a hit and run, this quick guide may help. 

1. Move to a Safe Location If Possible

    Staying in the middle of traffic can increase the risk of a second collision. If the vehicle is operable, moving to the shoulder, a parking lot, or another safe space can help avoid further danger.

    2. Check for Injuries

      Injury symptoms are not always immediate. Pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or numbness can appear over time. Contact emergency services whenever there are visible injuries, pain, or uncertainty about someone’s condition.

      3. Call 911

        Requesting a police response will document the accident and allow medical personnel to check for injuries. This call also creates the first official record of the hit and run, which can be necessary for insurance purposes.

        4. Avoid Chasing the Fleeing Driver

          It can be tempting to follow the vehicle, but this can increase the danger. Law enforcement can handle the investigation using tools and resources such as traffic cameras or witness statements.

          5. Observe and Document

            When possible, noticing the vehicle’s color, shape, or direction of travel can be helpful. Even one detail may assist officers later, but no one should put themselves in harm’s way to gather information.

            Preserving Evidence

            People often say that what to do when involved in a hit and run is not always clear because everything happens quickly. That is certainly true to a degree, which is why preserving evidence once the scene is stabilized is essential.

            Photos of vehicle damage, the roadway, debris, skid marks, or surrounding buildings may help piece together what occurred. When witnesses are present, asking for their contact information before they leave can be helpful. Many hit and run cases are resolved because a witness noticed a license plate, a bumper color, or a detail the victim did not see.

            Medical records serve as evidence of injuries. Even if pain develops later, the initial medical visit creates a record that establishes a connection to the collision. This is important because insurers often question delays in treatment.

            “I Was Involved in a Hit and Run”: Understanding the Legal Side

            Someone asking, “I was involved in a hit and run, what do I do?” is usually trying to understand how fault is proven if the driver is not located. Fortunately, California law does not require the victim to identify the other driver. Instead, police can use available evidence, witness statements, and, in some cases, video footage to investigate.

            California Vehicle Code makes it a crime to leave the scene of an injury or fatal crash and allows police to investigate the fleeing driver. Many departments now utilize traffic cameras or surveillance footage from nearby businesses during these investigations.

            If the driver cannot be located, an insurance claim likely involves uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Insurance companies often require proof that the crash was a hit and run incident, which is why a timely police report is crucial.

            California Hit and Run Laws Explained

            Understanding California hit and run laws can help victims know what to expect. These laws outline a driver’s duties following a crash and the penalties for failing to leave the scene.

            A hit and run is a violation of California Vehicle Code sections 20001 (injury or death) and 20002 (property damage).

            These laws exist to ensure that people involved in crashes are not left without help or basic information. Additionally, Vehicle Code section 16025 requires drivers to exchange insurance and contact information.

            Knowing how to report a hit and run in California can also help protect your claim. California law requires that accidents involving injuries or death be reported to the police within 24 hours. However, reporting sooner is usually better.

            What to Do After a Hit and Run: Next Steps for Your Claim

            Many people search for what to do after a hit and run because they are unsure what happens once the immediate emergency is over. Depending on the circumstances, several next steps may help protect a claim:

            1. Follow up with medical care. Pain or stiffness may appear later, and medical records help establish the timeline.
            2. Notify your insurance company. Most policies require timely reporting.
            3. Save all receipts and records. Document expenses for towing, rentals, or medical treatment so you can receive reimbursement.
            4. Avoid discussing fault with insurance adjusters. Adjusters often ask questions that seem routine but can significantly impact the claim.
            5. Consider speaking to an attorney. An attorney can help explain the process, negotiate with insurers, and ensure deadlines are met.

            Taking these steps helps keep everyone safe and ensures proper documentation for the medical and legal processes that may follow.

            Why Contacting an Attorney Can Help

            Hit and run cases can become complicated when the driver is not identified. Insurance companies may challenge liability or request additional proof.

            Legal issues can also come up when dealing with UM coverage or evidence gaps. An attorney familiar with these cases can help explain the process in clear terms and guide victims through each step.

            Beliz Law Firm has helped many people navigate accident claims under California law. The goal is to make the process easier to understand and ensure that the victim’s rights are protected. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your claim.

            Author Photo

            Michael A. Beliz, Esq., established The Beliz Law Firm in the spring of 2011.  Michael has been a practicing attorney since 2006 and worked for two of the most prominent plaintiff’s personal injury law firms in Southern California.  He has worked on and handled hundreds of cases as an attorney in all types of personal injury cases, including vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents and dog bites, and successfully recovered millions of dollars for his clients.

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