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Hit and Run Victim Lawyer in Ontario, CA

Hit and run accidents are becoming alarmingly common in Ontario, CA, especially near high-traffic corridors like Interstate 10, I-15, and SR-60. Whether the crash happens near a busy intersection like Euclid Avenue or at a freeway on-ramp, victims are too often left injured, shaken, and without answers—while the at-fault driver disappears into traffic.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a hit and run, you're not alone—and you're not without legal recourse. Even if the fleeing driver is never found, you may still be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle damage.

At Tim D. Wright Law, we help hit-and-run victims in Ontario and throughout San Bernardino County pursue justice. We’ll explore every available source of compensation, including uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, victim compensation programs, and other legal avenues—so you don’t bear the burden alone.

What Is a Hit and Run Accident Under California Law?

In California, leaving the scene of a crash without identifying yourself is more than reckless—it’s a crime. Under California Vehicle Code § 20001, any driver involved in an accident that results in injury or death is legally required to stop and provide identifying information.

This law applies regardless of who caused the accident. Even if a driver didn’t directly cause the collision, they are still required to:

  • Remain at the scene
  • Render reasonable assistance
  • Exchange insurance and contact information
  • Cooperate with law enforcement if needed

Failing to do so constitutes a hit and run offense, which carries both criminal penalties and civil liability.

Key Legal Takeaways:

  • Misdemeanor or felony charges can be filed against the fleeing driver, depending on the severity of the injuries.
  • Victims may still pursue a civil claim for damages, including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
  • The fleeing driver is legally responsible for all resulting damages, and may face punitive damages if found.

Unfortunately, in many Ontario-area crashes, the at-fault driver is never located, leaving victims unsure how to proceed. But you don’t need to know who hit you to file a claim—with the right legal help, you can still recover compensation through other avenues.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Hit and Run

In the chaos of a hit and run accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—especially when the driver responsible flees the scene. But the actions you take in those first moments can greatly impact your ability to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. If you're involved in a hit and run in Ontario, CA, follow these critical steps:

Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention

Your safety comes first. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s vital to be evaluated. Prompt medical documentation strengthens both your health outcome and any future legal claim.

File a Police Report with Ontario Police Department

Insist on a police response. File an official report with the Ontario Police Department, and give them as many details as possible about:

  • The vehicle that hit you (color, make, model, plate number if possible)
  • The direction the driver fled
  • Any suspicious or reckless behavior before the crash

A formal report is essential for pursuing compensation through your insurance or legal claim.

Document Vehicle Damage, Injuries, and Scene Conditions

Use your phone to take detailed photos of:

  • Your car’s damage
  • Any visible injuries
  • Skid marks or debris
  • Road signs, signals, and environmental conditions

These photos will help support your version of the events and assist your attorney in building a solid case.

Look for Nearby Surveillance Cameras or Witnesses

In many Ontario neighborhoods and commercial areas, security cameras may have captured the accident. Also ask bystanders or nearby businesses if they saw anything. Witness statements can help identify the hit-and-run driver—or prove what happened if the driver is never found.

Notify Your Insurance Company—But Speak to a Lawyer First

You should alert your insurer that a hit and run occurred, but be cautious about what you say. Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting any early settlement offers without legal guidance. Insurance companies may undervalue your claim, especially if the other driver is unknown.

Can You Still Get Compensation If the Driver Isn’t Found?

Yes—you absolutely can. Even if the hit-and-run driver is never identified, you may still be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. California law offers several potential avenues to help victims recover, and with the help of an experienced attorney, you don’t have to face these obstacles alone.

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

If you carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, it can cover:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Damage caused by a hit-and-run driver

UM claims are designed to step in when the at-fault party can’t be located or is uninsured, making it one of the most critical forms of protection for hit-and-run victims in Ontario.

MedPay (Medical Payments Coverage)

If you have Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it may help cover:

  • Emergency room visits
  • Ambulance fees
  • Follow-up care or physical therapy

This benefit applies regardless of fault and is especially helpful for covering out-of-pocket medical costs quickly.

Collision Coverage

Collision insurance can help repair or replace your vehicle—even if the driver who hit you fled the scene. Although this may come with a deductible, it can still offer important financial relief while your legal case or UM claim is being processed.

California Victim Compensation Programs

In some cases, victims may qualify for state-supported compensation programs that help cover medical or counseling costs. These are typically reserved for cases involving criminal offenses and can serve as a lifeline when traditional insurance avenues fall short.

Legal Guidance Is Key

Insurance claims can be confusing—and insurers don’t always inform you of all your options. At Tim D. Wright Law, we conduct a comprehensive review of your insurance policies, explore all possible third-party liability, and advocate for your full recovery under every available avenue.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

Being the victim of a hit-and-run crash can leave you dealing with more than physical injuries. It often brings financial stress, emotional trauma, and uncertainty about how to move forward. At Tim D. Wright Law, we help clients in Ontario and throughout San Bernardino County recover the full compensation they are legally entitled to—even when the driver is never found.

Medical Expenses

You can seek reimbursement for all medical costs related to the accident, including:

  • Emergency room visits
  • Ambulance transportation
  • Follow-up care and specialist visits
  • Physical therapy or rehabilitation
  • Long-term or ongoing treatment

Future medical expenses are also considered if you require continued care.

Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity

If your injuries keep you from working, you may be compensated for:

  • Missed paychecks during recovery
  • Reduced ability to work or perform your job
  • Long-term loss of earning potential if your injuries are disabling

We work with financial experts to calculate a fair value for both current and future income losses.

Pain and Suffering

You may also be entitled to non-economic damages such as:

  • Physical pain
  • Emotional distress
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Pain and suffering compensation reflects the personal impact of the crash beyond just bills and expenses.

Property Damage

You can recover costs related to:

  • Vehicle repair or replacement
  • Towing and rental car expenses
  • Damage to personal belongings inside the vehicle

Even if your insurer initially covers some costs, you may be reimbursed through a personal injury claim.

Emotional Trauma or PTSD

Many hit-and-run victims experience:

  • Nightmares or anxiety while driving
  • Depression or sleep disturbances
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

We ensure these emotional and psychological injuries are fully documented and included in your claim.

Punitive Damages (If Driver Is Identified)

If the at-fault driver is found and their conduct was especially reckless—such as fleeing the scene while drunk or driving aggressively—you may also pursue punitive damages, which are intended to punish and deter dangerous behavior.

Free Consultation – Don’t Let a Hit-and-Run Leave You Without Answers

Don’t let a hit-and-run leave you without answers. Let us fight for what you’re owed.

You’ve been injured. The other driver fled. Now you’re left with medical bills, a damaged vehicle, and a lot of unanswered questions. At Tim D. Wright Law, we’re here to help you reclaim control. Whether the at-fault driver is located or remains unknown, we’ll explore every legal option and insurance avenue to help you recover financially, physically, and emotionally.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.

Contact Tim D. Wright Law Today

📞 Phone: (323) 379-9995
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com

📍 Office Address:
1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506

Stay Connected With Us

I am very satisfied and thankful with Attorney Tim Wright and his whole team for taking care and handling my fathers personal injuries case. Thank you all very much your staff is amazing, very helpful.
Abraham Ortega
The Law Offices of Tim D. Wright were awesome. They were professional, they kept an open communication with me through out the process.  Big shout out to Sergio and Mercedes for being very helpful with my settlement.
Frank Medina

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