East LA Hit and Run Accident Attorney





Ventura County Area
- (818) 418-4000
- 6200 Canoga ave Suite 310 Woodland hills, CA 91367
- info@lainjurylawyers.com
Few accidents are as frustrating and disorienting as a hit-and-run. One moment, you’re driving, cycling, or walking in East Los Angeles; the next, you’re struck by a vehicle, and the driver is speeding away without offering help or providing their information.
Ifan unknown driver has injured you, you may be wondering how you can recover damages when the at-fault person has vanished. The good news is that you still have legal options, and an experiencedhit-and-run attorney in East Los Angeles can help you navigate them.
Why Hit-and-Run Accidents Are Common in East LA
East LA’s busy streets, high pedestrian activity, and mix of local and commuter traffic create conditions where hit-and-runs unfortunately happen far too often. Common reasons drivers flee the scene include:
- Driving without a valid license or insurance.
- Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Having outstanding warrants or prior offenses.
- Fear of financial or legal consequences.
Regardless of the reason, fleeing the scene is a crime in California. Victims have the right to seek justice and compensation.
California’s Hit-and-Run Laws

UnderCalifornia Vehicle Code § 20001 and § 20002, drivers involved in accidents must:
- Stop immediately at the scene.
- Provide their name, address, and insurance information.
- Render reasonable assistance to anyone injured.
Failing to do so can result in:
- Misdemeanor charges – For property damage only.
- Felony charges – For accidents involving injury or death.
While criminal charges punish the offender, they do not automatically provide compensation for your injuries, where civil claims and insurance come into play.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Hit-and-Run
Your actions right after the crash can have a significant impact on your ability to recover damages:
- Call 911 – Report the accident, request medical assistance, and get a police report started.
- Gather Evidence – If you can, note:
- The make, model, and color of the fleeing vehicle.
- Any part of the license plate number.
- Distinguishing features (stickers, dents, custom rims).
- Look for Witnesses – Ask nearby pedestrians, drivers, or store employees if they saw the incident.
- Check for Cameras – Many intersections, businesses, and homes have surveillance or doorbell cameras.
- Get Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked for hidden trauma like concussions or internal bleeding.
- Contact a Hit and Run Attorney in East Los Angeles – The sooner you have legal representation, the faster critical evidence can be preserved.
What If the Driver Is Never Found?
Many hit-and-run victims worry they won’t get any compensation if the at-fault driver isn’t identified. Fortunately, you may still recover damages through:
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
If you have UM coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it can pay for:
- Medical bills.
- Lost wages.
- Pain and suffering.
- Vehicle repairs.
Collision Coverage
This can cover repairs to your vehicle, regardless of fault.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, no matter who caused the accident.
An experiencedhit-and-run attorney in East Los Angeles can review your policies and help you make a UM claim that avoids common insurer pitfalls.
Unlock the full potential of your personal injury case with our dedicated legal services. At LA Injury Lawyers, we specialize in securing justice and maximum compensation for individuals like you who deserve the best representation.
Why Uninsured Motorist Claims Can Be Complicated
Even though UM coverage is designed to protect you, insurance companies often try to limit payouts by:
- Arguing that your injuries are less severe than claimed.
- Suggesting there’s not enough evidence to prove a hit-and-run occurred.
- Offering quick, low settlements before you know the full extent of your damages.
Your lawyer can:
- Handle all communications with your insurer.
- Provide medical and accident evidence to support your claim.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement or take your case to arbitration if necessary.
Proving a Hit-and-Run for Insurance Purposes
To get UM benefits, you’ll typically need to show:
- A police report filed within 24 hours.
- Evidence of physical contact between your vehicle and the unknown driver’s vehicle.
- Medical documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
If you wereinjured by an unknown driver as a pedestrian or cyclist, your attorney can still pursue UM benefits if you or someone in your household has coverage.
What If the Driver Is Found Later?
If the driver is identified after the crash, your options expand:
- Liability claim – Against their insurance for your damages.
- Personal injury lawsuit – For costs exceeding policy limits.
- Punitive damages – In cases of egregious conduct, like drunk driving.
Even if you’ve already received UM benefits, your insurer may seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver (a process called subrogation).
Common Injuries in Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run crashes can cause serious injuries due to sudden impact and a lack of immediate medical assistance. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries – From sudden jolts.
- Fractures – Especially in arms, legs, and ribs.
- Head and brain injuries – From striking the steering wheel, pavement, or other objects.
- Spinal cord injuries – Spine injuries potentially leading to paralysis.
- Internal bleeding – Often requiring emergency surgery.
Documenting your injuries thoroughly is essential for maximizing your claim.
Mid-Article Call to Action
Ifan unknown driver in East LA has injured you, don’t face insurance companies or police investigations alone. Ourhit and run attorneys in East Los Angeles can help you file the right claims, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call today for afree consultation.
How a Hit and Run Attorney Builds Your Case
Your lawyer will:
- Investigate thoroughly – Interview witnesses, review camera footage, and work with accident reconstruction experts.
- File timely insurance claims – Meeting all policy and legal deadlines.
- Coordinate with law enforcement to track down the driver, if possible.
- Negotiate aggressively – With your insurer for a fair settlement.
- Litigate if needed – Taking your case to court or arbitration.
Time Limits for Filing Hit-and-Run Claims in California
- Personal injury lawsuits – 2 years from the date of the accident.
- Property damage claims – 3 years from the date of the accident.
- UM insurance claims – Deadlines vary by policy, but many require notice within 30 days.
Failing to meet these deadlines can jeopardize your case, so early action is critical.
Protecting Yourself from Future Hit-and-Runs
While you can’t control other drivers, you can reduce your risk and prepare for the unexpected:
- Keep UM coverage on your policy and consider higher limits.
- Install a dashcam for clear evidence in case of a crash.
- Be alert in high-traffic and low-visibility areas.
- Carry a small notepad or use your phone to record accident details quickly.
Being involved in a hit-and-run can be overwhelming, but you are not powerless. Whether the driver is found or remains unknown, ourhit and run attorneys in East Los Angeles can help you recover the compensation you need for medical care, lost income, and the pain you’ve endured.
Call us today at (818) 418-4000 for afree, no-obligation consultation, and let LA Injury Lawyers take on the insurance companies while you focus on healing.
We also provide legal services for the following practice areas in East LA:
our Results in Harbor Area
$1.5 M
Settlement
Truck Accident Victim
$2.8 M
Settlement
Slip and Fall Settlement
$1.1 M
Settlement
motorcycle Accident
$4.2 M
Settlement
pedestrian accident victim
What Our Clients Are Saying
Evan smith
3 months ago
“They got me $500,000 after my accident – I couldn’t have done it without them!”
Evan smith
3 months ago
“They got me $500,000 after my accident – I couldn’t have done it without them!”
Evan smith
3 months ago
“They got me $500,000 after my accident – I couldn’t have done it without them!”
FAQs – Ventura County Hit and Run Attorney
If you live with a relative who has UM coverage, you may be covered under their policy.
Under California’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages, reduced by your percentage of fault.
Yes, especially if there are injuries, fatalities, or strong evidence like camera footage.
Not usually, because the accident wasn’t your fault, but policies vary.
It depends on your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and whether the driver is found.
Contact
- (818) 418-4000
- 6200 Canoga ave Suite 310 Woodland hills, CA 91367
- info@lainjurylawyers.com
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