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A hit-and-run accident is one of the most frustrating and traumatic events a person can experience. You're left shaken, hurt, and often unsure what to do next—especially when the driver who hit you speeds away without stopping. Whether you were in a vehicle, riding a bike, or walking as a pedestrian, the sense of abandonment and injustice can feel overwhelming.
Unfortunately, hit-and-run crashes are becoming more common in California—and Bakersfield is no exception. Local officials have reported an increase in these incidents, particularly along high-speed roads like Highway 99, Rosedale Highway, and busy intersections throughout the city. Victims are often left with serious injuries, extensive medical bills, and no clear path to recovery—unless they know their legal options.
The good news? Even if the at-fault driver is never found, California law provides ways for injured victims to pursue compensation through insurance claims, legal action, or both. But it’s critical to act quickly and follow the right steps to preserve your rights.
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver is involved in a collision—no matter how minor—and leaves the scene without stopping to exchange contact and insurance information or assist anyone who’s been injured. It’s not just illegal—it’s a serious offense that can leave injured victims without immediate help or accountability.
California Vehicle Code §20002 and §20001 make it clear: every driver involved in an accident must stop. They are legally required to:
Failing to do so is a criminal offense. If injuries are involved, the fleeing driver may face felony charges—even if they weren’t responsible for causing the crash.
Hit-and-run laws apply in several scenarios, including:
The very first step is to call 911, especially if you or anyone else is injured. Not only is this important for your safety and medical care, but it also creates an official police report that documents the hit-and-run—something that will be essential when filing an insurance or legal claim.
Even if your injuries seem minor at first, don’t wait to get checked out. Adrenaline can mask pain, and many common car accident injuries—like concussions, internal injuries, or soft tissue damage—can worsen over time. Prompt medical care also creates a record of your injuries, which supports your claim.
If you're able, gather as much information as possible before the scene changes. Helpful evidence includes:
Before leaving the scene or the emergency room, make sure you know how to get a copy of the police report from the Bakersfield Police Department or California Highway Patrol (CHP), depending on who responded. This report is often required by insurance companies and can support your case if a civil claim is filed.
Yes—you can still pursue compensation after a hit-and-run, even if the driver who caused the crash is never identified. This is where Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage becomes a lifeline for injured victims in California.
Uninsured Motorist coverage is an optional part of your auto insurance policy that steps in when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance—or in the case of a hit-and-run, when the driver can’t be found at all. In these situations, your UM coverage essentially takes the place of the missing driver’s insurance, allowing you to file a claim as if they were insured.
Many people don’t realize that UM protection can also apply if you were:
Even if you weren’t driving at the time, you may still be covered under your own policy—or that of a household family member, like a spouse or parent.
In some hit-and-run cases, law enforcement may successfully identify and locate the driver after the crash—through surveillance footage, witness accounts, license plate recognition, or other investigative tools. If that happens, the legal process shifts from relying on your own insurance to holding the at-fault driver accountable directly.
Once the fleeing driver has been identified, you can file a third-party injury claim against their auto insurance policy—just as you would in any other accident where the other party was at fault. This allows you to pursue compensation for:
In California, drivers who flee the scene of an accident can be held not only civilly but criminally liable. In civil cases, this may open the door to a special category of compensation known as punitive damages—money awarded not just to compensate you, but to punish the driver for reckless or malicious conduct.
This is especially relevant if:
A qualified attorney will help you go beyond the police report by:
Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny hit-and-run claims. A lawyer can:
If the hit-and-run driver is identified—or if your insurance company refuses to treat you fairly—your attorney can:
Being injured in a hit-and-run crash is not only traumatic—it can leave you feeling powerless. But just because the other driver fled doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Thanks to California law and protections like uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, you may still be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress.
Even when the road ahead feels uncertain, you don’t have to face it alone. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you uncover every possible path to recovery, fight back against uncooperative insurers, and hold those responsible accountable—whether they’re found or not.
The clock starts ticking the moment the crash happens. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of preserving crucial evidence, protecting your rights, and securing the compensation you deserve.
At Tim Wright Law, we understand the unique challenges hit-and-run victims face, and we’re here to help you through every step of the process. We serve injured clients throughout Bakersfield and Southern California with dedicated, results-driven representation.
✅ Free Consultation – We’ll explain your legal rights and help you understand your best next steps
✅ No Upfront Fees – You don’t pay unless we win your case
📞 Call: (323) 379-9995
📍 Visit: 1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302, Burbank, CA 91506
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
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