Were you injured in a hit-and-run accident in San Diego, CA? If so, you may be wondering whether you need to hire a lawyer—or if you can handle the claim on your own. Hit-and-run cases are often more complicated than typical car accidents because the at-fault driver may be unknown, uninsured, or difficult to locate.
Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers has represented injured Californians for decades, including individuals harmed in complex motor vehicle accidents involving unidentified drivers. Our San Diego hit-and-run accident lawyers have over 80 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $100 million for individuals like you.
Call our law office today at (858) 551-2090 to schedule a free consultation.
How Can Pines Salomon Help After a Hit-and-Run Accident in San Diego, CA?
Hit-and-run accidents in San Diego, California, present unique challenges that do not arise in standard car crash claims. Our San Diego car accident lawyers assist clients by examining every available path to compensation, including uninsured motorist coverage and other insurance benefits that may apply when the driver cannot be identified.
Our team can assist you by:
- Obtaining police reports and crash documentation
- Reviewing insurance policies for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
- Collecting medical records that link injuries to the collision
- Identifying surveillance footage or witness accounts
- Communicating directly with insurance adjusters
- Addressing coverage disputes or claim denials
- Preparing the case for litigation if settlement negotiations stall
Contact Pines Salomon today to arrange a free consultation with a San Diego personal injury lawyer.
When Does Hiring a Lawyer After a Hit-and-Run Make Sense?
Not every hit-and-run accident requires legal representation, but certain circumstances make working with a lawyer especially valuable. Insurance carriers often scrutinize these claims closely, and mistakes early in the process can limit what you recover later.
You may benefit from hiring a lawyer if:
- You suffered significant or lasting injuries.
- Your insurer questions fault or coverage.
- Uninsured motorist benefits are disputed.
- The claim process becomes delayed or unresponsive.
- Multiple vehicles or passengers were involved.
- You are unsure how to document your losses.
Legal guidance can help clarify what compensation may be available and prevent insurers from minimizing the value of your claim based on incomplete information.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Even when the at-fault driver is not identified, compensation may still be available through insurance coverage. A lawyer can help determine what benefits apply and how to pursue them properly under California law.
Depending on the facts, recovery may include:
- Medical expenses and follow-up treatment
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages in fatal cases
Understanding the scope of available compensation helps ensure that the claim accurately reflects the full impact of the crash, encompassing not only immediate expenses but also long-term medical care, reduced earning capacity, ongoing treatment needs, and lasting disruptions to daily life and financial stability.
What to Do Right After a Hit-and-Run in San Diego
A hit-and-run is stressful. If possible, prioritize safety first, then gather a few key details that can be useful later.
Here are the steps you should take:
- Call 911 and request medical assistance if anyone is hurt.
- Report the crash to law enforcement and ask how to obtain the incident or traffic collision report number.
- Take photos or videos of the scene, vehicle damage, debris, skid marks, and nearby intersections or businesses that may have cameras.
- Collect witness information, including names and phone numbers, and ask what they saw.
- Seek medical care promptly, even if symptoms seem minor at first. Some injuries can take hours or days to appear.
- Notify your insurer as soon as possible, especially if you may need to rely on uninsured motorist coverage.
Even if the driver is never found, these steps can make an insurance claim much smoother.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Hit-and-Run Accident in California?
In California, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Hit-and-run cases can involve additional insurance deadlines, including notice requirements tied to uninsured motorist coverage.
These timelines are designed to promote the timely resolution of disputes and ensure the reliability of evidence. Knowing which deadlines apply helps prevent procedural issues from limiting your claim.
Call Our San Diego Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A hit-and-run accident can disrupt every part of your life, from your health to your financial stability. Understanding whether you need a lawyer is often the first step toward regaining control of the situation. Pines Salomon offers experienced guidance for individuals navigating these challenging claims in San Diego.
Reach out to our San Diego hit-and-run accident attorneys to arrange a complimentary consultation and discover how we can assist you. We handle all our cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only have to pay us if we recover compensation for you.
