Hit and Run Accidents in Temecula: What to Do When the Driver Flees

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident is frightening and frustrating. The driver fled the scene, but you're left dealing with injuries and vehicle damage. Here's what you need to know.

What Is a Hit and Run?

In California, it's a crime to leave the scene of an accident without:

Stopping
Providing contact and insurance information
Rendering reasonable assistance to injured parties

Hit and runs can involve:

Vehicle-to-vehicle collisions
Pedestrians or cyclists
Parked cars
Property damage

Immediate Steps After a Hit and Run

1. Ensure Safety

Pull over if you can do so safely
Turn on hazard lights
Check for injuries

2. Call 911

Report the accident immediately
Request police and medical assistance
Provide any information about the fleeing vehicle

3. Document Everything

Try to remember and write down:

License plate number (even partial)
Vehicle make, model, color
Direction the vehicle went
Time and location
Any distinguishing features
Driver description if visible

4. Take Photos

Photograph:

Your vehicle damage from multiple angles
The accident scene
Your injuries
Skid marks or debris
Street signs and landmarks

5. Look for Witnesses

Ask if anyone saw the accident
Get their contact information
See if anyone has dashcam footage

6. Check for Surveillance Cameras

Nearby cameras might have captured the incident:

Traffic cameras
Business security cameras
Residential doorbell cameras
ATM cameras

How to File a Hit and Run Claim

Step 1: File a Police Report

This is critical for:

Insurance claims
Criminal investigation
Legal proceedings

Step 2: Notify Your Insurance

Contact your insurance company promptly to report:

The accident details
Police report number
Documentation you've gathered

Step 3: Uninsured Motorist Coverage

If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, it can pay for:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Property damage (if you have UM property damage coverage)

This coverage applies even if the hit-and-run driver is never found.

Step 4: Collision Coverage

If you have collision coverage, it can pay for vehicle repairs regardless of fault.

What If I Don't Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Without UM coverage, your options are limited:

Use your health insurance for medical bills
Pay out-of-pocket for damages
Hope the driver is found

This is why UM coverage is so important in California, where many drivers are uninsured.

Police Investigation

Law enforcement will investigate by:

Reviewing your report and evidence
Checking traffic and surveillance cameras
Interviewing witnesses
Comparing your case to other reports
Checking body shops for suspicious repairs

However, many hit-and-run drivers are never found.

Common Hit and Run Locations in Temecula

Hit and runs frequently occur:

Parking lots (Old Town, Promenade Mall)
I-15 corridor
Residential neighborhoods
Wine country roads
Near bars and restaurants

California Hit and Run Penalties

If caught, drivers face:

Misdemeanor charges for property damage only
Felony charges if there are injuries
Fines up to $10,000
Jail time
License suspension
Restitution to victims

What If the Driver Is Found?

If police locate the driver, you can:

File a claim against their insurance
Sue them personally
Seek restitution through criminal court

How an Attorney Can Help

The Baum Law Firm can:

Investigate to help find the driver
Work with police and private investigators
Negotiate with your insurance company
Ensure you receive full UM coverage benefits
File a lawsuit if the driver is found
Protect you from unfair insurance tactics

Don't Let Insurance Companies Minimize Your Claim

Insurance companies may:

Question whether a hit and run occurred
Claim you're partially at fault
Undervalue your injuries
Delay payment

We fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Contact The Baum Law Firm at (951) 200-4265 immediately after a hit-and-run accident.