Paul Sanchez
If you're the victim of a hit-and-run, it's important to know how to report it to your insurance company and the police. Hit-and-run accidents are common in California, with 20,548 causing injuries and 447 causing fatalities in 2021, partly due to the state's high proportion of uninsured motorists. If you're hit by a driver who flees the scene, you should follow correct procedures: move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic, check for injuries, and call 911 if necessary. Exchange information with any other parties at the scene, including names, addresses, vehicle registration, and insurance details. Gather evidence by taking notes and photos of the damage and look for identifying details about the fleeing vehicle. Contact your insurance company promptly and provide them with as much information as possible. You may need to make a police report and track their investigation. Penalties for committing a hit-and-run vary depending on the severity of the accident, ranging from fines to jail time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | California |
| What to do if you're the victim of a hit-and-run | Gather as much information as possible about the incident and the fleeing vehicle, take photos and notes, contact the police and make a statement, exchange information with other parties, contact your insurance company |
| What to do if you hit someone/something and they aren't there | Leave a note with your name and address, as well as the name and address of the vehicle owner |
| Insurance claim | Alert your insurance provider, they will gather information and process your claim. You may need to make a statement to the police and track their investigation. |
| Insurance policy | Check your insurance policy to see if you need to report the accident to your insurance company |
| Time limit for reporting | California law allows you to make a claim for a hit-and-run up to two years after the accident. However, if there are injuries or vehicle damage over $750-$1000, you must report the accident to the DMV within 10 days. |
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What You'll Learn
Gather evidence, including photos and notes
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, it is important to gather as much information as possible for your insurance company. Once you have ensured that everyone is safe and contacted the authorities, start taking notes and photos to build evidence for your claim. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and any injuries sustained, capturing the location, weather conditions, and any other relevant details. Look for pieces of the other driver's car, such as their license plate number, make and model, and any distinguishing features like bumper stickers or dents to help identify them. However, do not move or touch any evidence—let the police collect it at the scene.
In addition to photographic evidence, obtain the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and driver's license numbers of all drivers involved, verifying this information by asking to see their driver's licenses and vehicle registrations. If there are any witnesses, be sure to get their contact information as well. If you are unable to obtain the other driver's information, as is often the case in hit-and-run accidents, witness testimonies and photos can be crucial in establishing liability and proving your case.
Keep detailed notes documenting repairs to your car and any medical attention you receive, including doctor's notes, treatment plans, and bills. These documents will serve as evidence of your injuries and the associated costs, helping to secure appropriate compensation. It is also important to stay in contact with your insurance company and law enforcement throughout the claims process and to provide them with all the information you have gathered, including the police report and witness statements.
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Exchange information with other parties
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is important to exchange information with any other parties who are present at the scene. This is a crucial step, even if you are not at fault. Exchanging information can help protect you legally and may assist your insurance claim.
Firstly, identify yourself to the other driver or drivers, and ensure that you obtain their name, address, and contact details. It is also important to collect and exchange driver's license numbers, license plate numbers, and vehicle identification numbers. Ask to see the other driver's license and vehicle registration to verify that the information they give you is correct. Make a note of the name and address of the owner of the vehicle, as this may differ from the driver's details.
If there are any passengers in the other vehicle, obtain their names, addresses, and telephone numbers. It is also a good idea to get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses to the accident. If you cannot find the owner of a damaged vehicle, leave a note with your name and address and the name and address of the vehicle's owner, securely attached to the vehicle.
Finally, exchange insurance company information with the other driver or drivers. This is a legal requirement in California, and it is important to provide this information before leaving the scene. If you are unable to exchange information at the scene, perhaps because you require urgent medical attention, be sure to exchange details before heading to the hospital.
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Contact your insurance company
Contacting your insurance company is a crucial step after a hit-and-run incident. Here is a detailed guide on what to do when reaching out to your insurer:
Notify Your Insurance Company:
Firstly, promptly inform your insurance company about the hit-and-run incident. While California law does not mandate reporting accidents to insurers, your specific insurance policy might require it. Check your insurance policy to understand their reporting procedures and any time constraints.
Provide Detailed Information:
When you contact your insurance company, they will likely ask for detailed information about the incident. This includes gathering as much information as possible about the fleeing vehicle and the incident itself. Note down vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers, vehicle identification numbers, and any other relevant details. Additionally, take pictures of the damage and the accident scene to support your claim.
Make a Claim:
Depending on your insurance coverage, you may need to initiate a first-party claim. For example, if you have collision insurance or medical payments coverage, you can make a claim to cover your costs. Alert your insurance provider about the incident, and they will guide you through the claims process, gathering the necessary information and documentation.
Stay in Communication:
Maintain open communication with your insurance company throughout the claims process. Respond to their requests for information or documentation promptly. If you have not heard back from your insurer within a reasonable time frame, follow up with them to ensure your claim is being processed.
Understand the Investigation Process:
After you have filed your claim, your insurance company will conduct an investigation. They may contact other drivers and witnesses as part of their process. They might also request additional information or a recorded statement from you. Understand your rights and obligations during this process, and consider seeking legal advice if needed.
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Make a police report
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is important to make a police report as soon as possible, especially if there were injuries involved. In California, you are required by law to provide your name and current address, along with the vehicle registration number and the name and address of its owner if you are driving someone else's car. You must also render reasonable assistance to those who are injured and give or arrange transport for them.
When making a police report, you should gather as much information as possible about the incident, especially about the fleeing vehicle. Take down the license plate number, the make and model of the car, and any other identifying details. If there are any witnesses, be sure to get their contact information as well. Take pictures of the damage to your car and the accident scene, including any traffic controls or visual obstacles. If you are unable to remain at the scene, leave a note with your name and address, as well as the name and address of the owner of the vehicle you are driving, securely attached to the damaged car or property.
You can call 911 to report the hit-and-run, and a responder will file your report for you. If a responder does not arrive, you can call the California Highway Patrol or your local police department to file your report. In California, you are required to report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days if there are any injuries, no matter how minor, or if property damage exceeds $750 or $1,000, according to different sources. You can do this by filling out an SR-1 report on the DMV's website or by visiting a DMV field office or CHP office. The SR-1 report requires information such as the date and time of the accident, the location of the accident, your current address, your driver's license, your vehicle registration card, and your insurance company name and policy number.
It is important to keep in mind that hit-and-run accidents are treated similarly to other types of car insurance claims. You will need to alert your insurance provider that the incident occurred, and they will gather information and process your claim. As with all insurance claims, take careful notes and document any repairs or medical attention you receive. Stay in contact with your insurance company and law enforcement throughout the claims process.
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File an SR-1 report with the DMV
If you are involved in a vehicle collision in California, you are legally required to file a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR-1) with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days if someone is injured or killed, or if property damage exceeds $1,000. This report is mandatory, even if you have already notified the police, California Highway Patrol (CHP), or your insurance company.
You can obtain an SR-1 report form from DMV field offices, CHP offices, or online. It is important to note that this report must be submitted regardless of whether you caused the collision or if it occurred on private property. Failure to complete the SR-1 report or provide valid insurance information at the time of the collision may result in the suspension of your driving privileges.
To complete the SR-1 report, you will need to provide detailed information about the accident, including the date, time, and location. Additionally, you must include your current address, driver's license information, vehicle registration details, and evidence of financial responsibility, such as your insurance company name and policy number.
It is crucial to bookmark the SR-1 report link on your mobile device, so you can easily access and submit the necessary information in the event of a collision. Remember, even if you are not at fault, leaving the scene of an accident without exchanging information with the other driver is considered a hit-and-run, which can result in severe penalties.
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