Hit-and-Run in LA: What Victims Need to Know Now

Los Angeles has a hit-and-run crisis. On April 5, a pedestrian was fatally struck near Hawthorne. Just three days later, another victim lost their life in a hit-and-run on Figueroa Street. These are not isolated incidents. They’re part of a rising trend that leaves families devastated and justice in short supply. 

At J&Y Law, we’re about stories of resilience. We fight for people demanding accountability in a system that too often looks the other way. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a hit-and-run, here’s what you really need to know.

File a Police Report Immediately

Even if the driver flees, the crash must be documented. Under California Vehicle Code § 20001, leaving the scene of a crash causing injury or death is a felony. But prosecution is only possible if there’s a record. Call 911. Get the report number. Push for a full investigation. 

“The paper trail is power,” says Jason Javaheri, J&Y Law’s Co-Founder & Managing Partner. “No report could mean you have no case. It’s that simple.”

Preserve Every Piece of Evidence

That includes: 

• Photos of injuries, debris, skid marks, and vehicle damage 

• Names and contact info of any witnesses 

• Surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses (act fast—these often get erased within days) 

If the hit-and-run happened in a known hot zone like South LA or East Hollywood, geotagged imagery can also support your case. Even from the ambulance, if you’re able to, use Google Earth screenshots to mark the scene.

Don’t Assume You’re Uncovered

In many hit-and-run cases, the at-fault driver is never found. That’s where your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage kicks in. California law requires UM coverage to be offered with every auto policy. However, some insurance companies won’t tell you this upfront. 

According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly 17% of California drivers are uninsured. In LA, that number may be even higher. 

“We’ve seen families recover six figures through their own policy, when they didn’t even know they had coverage,” adds Javaheri. “Don’t leave money on the table.”

Consider a Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Suit

If the driver is identified – through plate data, witness ID, or traffic camera footage – you may have grounds for a civil suit. Even if prosecutors pursue criminal charges, a civil claim can provide compensation for: 

• Medical bills 

• Lost income 

• Pain and suffering 

• Funeral costs (in wrongful death cases) 

Make no mistake: being hit by a car is traumatic! But being left in the street without answers is criminal. And when insurance defense lawyers are trained to delay, deny, and devalue your pain, having the right team behind you isn’t just helpful – it’s everything. At J&Y Law, we make sure you’re never powerless, never alone, and never ignored. 

Sources: 

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – For crash data 

• California DMV: Reporting Requirements 

• Insurance Information Institute: Uninsured Motorists