Hit-and-run
After a Hit-and-Run
30-second answer
Get to safety and call police. Seek medical care. Write down every vehicle clue, find cameras and witnesses, and notify insurers promptly. Special policy conditions may apply.
Legal information from Wildeboer Legal · Updated July 31, 2026
Do this now
- 1Call 911 or local police and ask how to make a report.
- 2Get medical care and record when symptoms began.
- 3Write down the plate, color, make, damage, direction, and driver details you remember.
- 4Ask nearby homes and businesses about cameras before footage is overwritten.
- 5Notify the relevant insurers and ask for every request in writing.
Avoid this
- Do not chase the fleeing driver.
- Do not repair or discard damaged property before documenting it.
- Do not assume every insurance deadline is the same.
Save these
- Police report number
- Vehicle description and partial plate
- Camera locations and witness contacts
- Photos of damage, clothing, bicycle, or debris
- Insurance policy and claim communications
Common questions
What if police never find the driver?
A claim may still involve available insurance, but coverage and policy conditions vary. Review every policy that may apply.
Is a police report enough?
The report is important, but insurers may also request prompt notice and other proof. Keep photos, witnesses, medical records, and camera leads.
What if I remember only part of the plate?
Write it down exactly as remembered, along with the vehicle color, type, damage, direction, and time. A partial detail may still help an investigation.
Want more detail?
Read the full explanation
Injured in a California Hit-and-Run? What to Do FirstOfficial resources
Questions about your situation?
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