Getting struck by a car is traumatic enough, and when the driver flees the scene, it compounds the injustice. Even if the driver is never identified, you have more options than you may realize. California law provides injured pedestrians with meaningful paths to compensation through their own insurance coverage or other avenues.
You should not have to navigate this alone. While you focus on your recovery, a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer at Salamati Law will investigate your case and fight to make sure you are not left bearing the burden of someone else’s recklessness.
Why Hit and Run Pedestrian Cases Are Challenging
Hit and run cases present obstacles that a standard pedestrian accident claim does not. When a driver flees the scene, the foundation of a typical personal injury case, a known at-fault party, may be missing entirely.
Without a driver to identify, building your case depends on surveillance footage, witness accounts, physical debris, and forensic reconstruction. This evidence must be gathered quickly before it disappears.
At the same time, even when UM coverage exists, insurance companies routinely challenge hit and run claims: disputing whether a second vehicle was actually involved, questioning the severity of your injuries, or deliberately dragging out the process.
How a Pedestrian Hit and Run Lawyer at Salamati Law Can Help
At Salamati Law, we move quickly to preserve evidence, meet critical deadlines, and push back against insurers who undervalue your claim. You deserve an advocate who treats your case with the same urgency the situation demands.
How Pedestrian Hit and Run Victims Can Recover Compensation
Even when a hit and run driver is never identified, California law provides injured pedestrians with meaningful paths to compensation. At Salamati Law, we examine every available avenue, so you are not left paying out of pocket for your losses.
You may be able to recover compensation through:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage. If you or a family member you live with carries auto insurance with UM coverage, a hit and run qualifies as an uninsured motorist incident under California law, allowing you to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage. If the at-fault driver is identified but their policy limits are insufficient to cover your damages, UIM coverage can bridge the gap.
- Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage. MedPay on your own auto policy can help cover immediate medical costs regardless of fault or whether the driver is ever found.
- Third-Party Liability. Liability does not always end with the driver. Negligent property owners, government entities responsible for dangerous road conditions, or other contributing parties may share legal responsibility for your injuries.
- Personal Injury Lawsuit. If the driver is identified, we can pursue a civil claim directly against them for the full extent of your damages. ing that was documented before any litigation began.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Hit and Run Accident
The moments after a hit and run can be chaotic and disorienting. Knowing what to do and doing it quickly can protect both your health and your legal right to compensation.
If you are able, take the following steps immediately:
- Call 911. Report the accident to the police right away. A police report is critical documentation for any insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Provide as much detail as possible about the vehicle, direction of travel, and any partial plate numbers.
- Seek Medical Attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal trauma, may not present symptoms immediately. Medical records also establish a direct link between the accident and your injuries.
- Document the Scene. If you are physically able, photograph the scene, your injuries, skid marks, debris, and any nearby traffic or surveillance cameras that may have captured the incident.
- Gather Witness Information. Collect names and contact information from anyone who witnessed the collision. Bystander accounts can be invaluable if the driver is later identified.
- Notify Your Insurance Company. Report the accident to your insurer promptly. Delays in reporting can jeopardize a UM or MedPay claim.
- Contact a Hit and Run Pedestrian Accident Attorney. Before giving any recorded statements to an insurance company, speak with an attorney. An insurer’s interests are not aligned with yours.
In California, the statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims is generally two years from the date of the injury. If a government entity is involved, such as a municipality responsible for dangerous road conditions, that window may be as short as six months. Do not wait to seek legal advice.
Schedule a Free Consultation at Salamati Law
If you were the victim of a hit and run, consult an experienced pedestrian accident injuries lawyer at Salamati Law. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation and will review your insurance coverage carefully to identify every benefit available to you, whether that is UM, MedPay, or another avenue for recovery.
We will negotiate aggressively on your behalf and, if necessary, take your case to trial to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. We work on a contingency basis, so you pay no fees unless we win.
