Meta Description: California hit-and-run accidents are at record highs, making up 15% of all crashes. Learn why this is happening and how a personal injury lawyer in California can help you recover.
California is facing a crisis on its roads. You see it in the news every morning. A driver strikes a pedestrian and speeds off. A car clips a cyclist and disappears into traffic. These aren't just isolated stories anymore. They are part of a massive, record-breaking trend that is turning our streets into a safety hazard.
At Fairmont Law Firm, we see the aftermath of these "cowardly" acts every day. We see the pain, the medical bills, and the confusion left behind when a driver decides to run. You deserve to know what is happening on our roads and how to protect yourself when the unthinkable happens.
The Shocking Reality of California’s Hit-and-Run Data
The numbers coming out are staggering. According to recent AAA Foundation research, hit-and-run crashes have reached record highs across the country. In 2023, 15% of all police-reported crashes involved a driver who fled the scene. This is the highest percentage ever recorded in history.
In California, the situation is even more dire. Between 2017 and 2023, hit-and-run incidents accounted for over 10.5% of all fatal accidents in the state. Think about that for a second. In one out of every ten fatal crashes, the person responsible didn’t even stop to call for help.
This trend is more than just a statistic. It represents a total breakdown of safety and accountability. When someone flees, they leave you alone in your most vulnerable moment. They hope they won’t get caught, and they leave you to deal with the physical and financial wreckage by yourself. We don't let that happen.
Who Is Fleeing the Scene?
You might wonder what kind of person hits another human being and keeps driving. The research gives us a clear, yet troubling, profile of these drivers. Understanding who they are helps us track them down and hold them accountable.
The data shows that 40% of hit-and-run drivers in fatal crashes did not have a valid driver’s license. More than half were driving vehicles that weren't even registered in their name. Most identified hit-and-run drivers are young men who crash within a short distance of their own homes.
They flee because they are scared. They flee because they are uninsured. They flee because they have warrants or are driving under the influence. None of these reasons justify leaving you on the side of the road. We make it our mission to find the truth and secure the justice you are owed.
The Impact on Pedestrians and Roadside Workers
While car-on-car hit-and-runs are common, the most devastating trends involve pedestrians and workers. Last year, 15 roadside service providers were struck and killed. At least six of those deaths were caused by drivers who fled the scene.
Pedestrians are also at extreme risk. If you are walking in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego, you are in the "danger zone." Speeding and distracted driving have combined with this fleeing trend to create a "perfect storm" of danger for anyone not inside a vehicle.
If you or a loved one were struck while walking, you need a personal injury lawyer in California who understands the nuances of these cases. These aren't standard accidents. They are crimes. We treat them with the urgency and aggression they require.
Why This Trend Is Growing
Why are more people running now than ever before? There are a few theories, but one stands out: accountability. Drivers are more likely to flee when they think they can get away with it.
However, technology is starting to catch up. California is seeing a push for more traffic cameras and "Yellow Alerts." These alerts notify the public immediately after a serious hit-and-run, much like an Amber Alert. Public awareness is growing, and we are using every tool available: from private investigators to surveillance footage: to track down the runners.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run
If you are involved in a hit-and-run, your mind will be racing. You will be in shock. However, the actions you take in the first few minutes are critical for your health and your legal case. Follow these steps to protect your rights.
Step 1
Call 911 immediately. Even if you don't think your injuries are severe, you need a police report. This document is the foundation of your insurance claim and any future lawsuit.
Step 2
Gather any details you can remember. Did you see the color of the car? The make or model? Even a partial license plate number is a gold mine for investigators.
Step 3
Look for witnesses. If anyone stopped to help, ask for their contact information. Their testimony can be the key to identifying the driver who fled.
Step 4
Take photos and videos. Capture the damage to your car, the debris on the road, and the surrounding area. Look for nearby businesses that might have security cameras.
Step 5
Seek medical attention. Adrenaline masks pain. You might have internal injuries or a concussion that isn't immediately obvious. Get checked out by a professional.
Step 6
Contact a car accident lawyer near me. Do not talk to your insurance company until you have legal representation. They are not on your side; we are.
Evidence Checklist for Your Case
Use this checklist to ensure you have everything needed to build a strong claim.
[ ] Police report number and officer's name.
[ ] Photos of the accident scene from multiple angles.
[ ] Contact information for all witnesses.
[ ] Medical records and bills from the emergency room or urgent care.
[ ] A written description of the fleeing vehicle and the driver (if seen).
[ ] Any dashcam footage you or nearby drivers might have.
[ ] Documentation of missed work and lost wages.
Navigating Insurance and Uninsured Motorist Coverage
One of the biggest fears victims have is: "Who pays if the driver is never found?" This is where your insurance policy becomes your lifeline. In California, many drivers carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage.
If we cannot locate the hit-and-run driver, we pivot to your own insurance company. We hold them to the promises they made in your policy. Dealing with insurance companies is a battle. They will try to minimize your pain and offer "low-ball" settlements.
We don't accept crumbs. We fight for the full value of your claim, covering your medical bills, future rehab, lost income, and the emotional trauma of the event. Whether it’s a standard car crash or a complex Uber/Lyft/rideshare accident, we know how to navigate the insurance maze.
Your Legal Options: Choosing the Right Path
When you are a victim of a hit-and-run, you generally have two paths to recovery.
Option 1
The Hit-and-Run Driver is Located. If the police or our investigators find the driver, we file a claim against their insurance or a personal injury lawsuit directly against them. We seek punitive damages in these cases because fleeing the scene is a reckless, intentional act.
Option 2
The Driver Remains Unknown. We file an Uninsured Motorist claim with your insurance provider. We treat this with the same aggression as a standard lawsuit to ensure your own carrier doesn't take advantage of your situation.
We Cover All 58 California Counties
From the busy streets of Los Angeles to the rural roads of Northern California, Fairmont Law Firm is here for you. We provide statewide coverage because we believe every Californian deserves top-tier legal protection.
Whether you were hit by a commercial vehicle: like a FedEx, Amazon, or UPS truck: or a private passenger car, we have the resources to take on the biggest opponents. We handle wrongful death cases, catastrophic injuries, and complex multi-vehicle pileups with the same level of dedication.
Why Choose Fairmont Law Firm?
You are likely feeling overwhelmed. You are hurting, and the person who did this to you is hiding. You need a protector. You need a team that knows how to win.
- Zero Fee Until We Win: You have enough bills. You won’t pay us a single dime unless we recover money for you. We take all the financial risk so you can focus on healing.
- Free Case Evaluation: We will listen to your story, analyze the facts, and tell you exactly what your case is worth at no cost to you.
- 24/7 Availability: Accidents don't happen on a schedule. We are available round the clock to answer your questions and start working on your case immediately.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We don't play nice with insurance companies. We demand the maximum compensation and we don't back down until we get it.
Don't Let a Hit-and-Run Driver Get Away With It
The trends are scary, but you don't have to be a victim twice. The driver who ran thought they could leave you behind, but they didn't count on you fighting back.
We are ready to stand by your side. We will hunt down the evidence, deal with the insurance adjusters, and fight for every dollar you deserve. Your road to recovery starts with a single phone call.
Contact Fairmont Law Firm today for your Free Case Evaluation. Let’s hold them accountable together. We are available 24/7. Call us now and let our family protect yours.