Hit-and-run accidents are not just illegal—they’re a serious and growing problem across Southern California, especially in communities like Pasadena, Alhambra, Monrovia, West Covina, and Baldwin Park. If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run crash, you may feel angry, confused, and unsure of what steps to take next. You’re not alone—and there are clear actions you can take to protect your health and your rights.
Let’s break down what you need to know if a hit-and-run accident happens to you in the San Gabriel Valley or surrounding counties like Los Angeles, Orange, or San Bernardino.
First Things First: What You Should Do After a Hit-and-Run
- Ensure Your Safety
Move your vehicle out of traffic, if possible, and check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Your safety and the safety of others always come first.
- Call the Police
Even if the other driver fled, call the local police and file a report. California law requires you to report the accident within 24 hours if there are injuries or property damage.
Having a police report is crucial—it may be your strongest evidence when filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
- Document Everything
Take photos of:
-
- Your vehicle and the damage
- The accident scene
- Any debris or tire marks
- Injuries (if any)
Write down the time, location, and any details you can recall about the other vehicle: color, make, model, license plate (even partial), or direction of travel.
- Look for Witnesses and Surveillance
Ask nearby drivers, pedestrians, or businesses if they saw anything. Local security or traffic cameras—especially in busy areas like Colorado Blvd in Pasadena or Main Street in Alhambra—might have caught the crash on video.
- Notify Your Insurance Company
California requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage unless they reject it in writing. If the hit-and-run driver can’t be found, your UM policy may cover your damages.
The Growing Problem of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Southern California
Unfortunately, hit-and-runs are far too common in SoCal. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP):
- In Los Angeles County, over 28,000 hit-and-run crashes were reported in a single year.
- Pasadena and surrounding cities in the San Gabriel Valley experience hundreds of these incidents annually.
- In 2023 alone, more than 25% of traffic fatalities in LA involved a hit-and-run driver.
The situation has become so serious that Pasadena police launched special traffic units to crack down on these drivers. But even with enforcement, too many victims are left dealing with injuries, lost income, and car repairs—with no driver in sight to hold responsible.
How California Law Protects You
Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, a hit-and-run causing injury or death is a felony, punishable by:
- Fines up to $10,000
- Prison time (up to 4 years)
- License suspension
But justice doesn’t always come through criminal courts. That’s where civil law—and a personal injury attorney—comes in.
Even if the other driver isn’t caught, you may still be entitled to compensation through:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage
- A civil lawsuit if the driver is later identified
Compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering
Local Example: A Hit-and-Run accident in Baldwin Park
In February 2024, a cyclist was struck by a speeding vehicle on Ramona Blvd near Puente Avenue. The driver fled the scene, and the victim suffered a broken leg and head trauma. Local businesses helped authorities identify the suspect using surveillance footage. But the victim still faced months of recovery and needed legal help to pursue compensation from both insurance and the identified driver.
When to Call a Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run—even if the other driver is unknown—don’t wait. An attorney can:
- Investigate the crash and collect evidence
- Help you file an uninsured motorist claim
- Negotiate with insurers who may undervalue or deny your claim
- Represent you in court if needed
The sooner you act, the stronger your case. And in California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years—but don’t wait that long.
Get the Help You Need Today
At Doyle Accident & Injury Attorneys, we understand the stress and frustration that comes with being the victim of a hit-and-run—especially when you’re dealing with pain, bills, and unanswered questions.
We’ve helped injured clients across the San Gabriel Valley and Southern California get the compensation they deserve.
Call us at (626) 737-0036 for a free, no-obligation consultation today. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and fight for you every step of the way.
