Sunnyvale Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
The Other Driver Left. Your Own Policy Didn't.
Many people assume a hit-and-run means no one pays. In most cases, your own auto insurance steps in, and your insurer owes you a fair, prompt evaluation. Our attorneys make sure Sunnyvale drivers get it.
$75+ million
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A Driver Who Flees Doesn't Take Your Options With Them
A hit-and-run happens when a driver strikes another vehicle, stopped or moving, and leaves without exchanging information. It’s stressful and deeply frustrating: you’re left with damage, injuries, and no one standing in front of you to answer for them.
It’s a common misconception that you can’t recover anything when the at-fault driver disappears. California is an at-fault state, so normally the other driver’s insurer pays. But California also requires auto insurers to include uninsured motorist coverage in their policies unless the policyholder turns it down, and in most cases that coverage applies when the driver who hit you can’t be found.
In other words, you may already be covered, whether you were hurt or your car was damaged. You may have a claim if:
A driver hit you and left before exchanging information
You were injured, or your vehicle was damaged
You carry uninsured motorist coverage, or never declined it
Your insurer is delaying, lowballing, or denying your claim
We’ll review your policy and your options for free.
When a Driver Flees the Scene in Sunnyvale
Get safe, get help.
Check on everyone in your car and call 911. Your health comes before anything else.
Report it to the police right away.
Even if the driver is long gone, a prompt police report is the foundation of an uninsured motorist claim.
Document everything at the scene.
Photograph the damage, the road, and your injuries. Write down anything about the other car: color, make, direction, any part of the plate.
Find the people who saw it.
Get names and phone numbers from bystanders and other drivers before they leave.
Find your policy's declarations page.
It shows whether you carry uninsured motorist coverage and how much. If you can’t find it, we can help you request it.
Talk to a lawyer before you file.
Claims under your own policy have short notice requirements, and your insurer will evaluate the claim like any other adversary would.
Where Your Compensation Can Come From
Your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage
In most hit-and-run cases, your own UM coverage pays for your injuries and losses as if the fleeing driver were uninsured. Many drivers carry more than the minimum, so check your limits.
Coverage for your vehicle
Depending on your policy, your insurer may also pay to repair or replace your car.
The driver's insurer, if they're found
When the police or our investigation identifies the driver, we pursue their liability coverage.
A bad faith claim, if your insurer stonewalls
When an insurer fails to evaluate your claim fairly or resolve it promptly, it can be held responsible for more than the policy benefits.
Holding Your Own Insurer to Its Promise
When you make an uninsured motorist claim, you’re asking your own insurance company to pay. That doesn’t make the process friendly. The adjuster is still trying to keep the payout low, and hit-and-run claims come with coverage questions that can be used to delay or deny.
Insurers must evaluate claims fairly and act promptly to resolve them. When they don’t, they can be liable for acting in bad faith. We keep them to that standard:
- We review your policy for every coverage that could apply
- We document your injuries, treatment, and bills so nothing is left out
- We meet every notice requirement and deadline under your policy
- We handle all communication and negotiation with the insurer
- We watch for unreasonable delay or denial, and act on it
Careful preparation makes a difference. Before we make a demand, we organize your medical records, treatment history, and billing into one clear timeline and work out exactly what uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is available, so the claim is built on facts the insurer can’t pick apart.
Hit-and-Run Rules Every California Driver Should Know
Every driver must stop
California requires everyone involved in a crash to stop and exchange identifying information, regardless of who was at fault or how minor the damage.
Uninsured motorist coverage is standard
California’s Uninsured Motorist Act requires insurers to include uninsured motorist coverage in auto policies; it’s there unless the policyholder rejects it. Policyholders can also choose higher limits.
Your insurer owes you good faith
An insurance company that doesn’t evaluate your claim fairly or act promptly can be liable for bad faith.
Deadlines come in days and years
Uninsured motorist claims require prompt notice, and a lawsuit generally must be filed within two years.
What Our Clients Say
She helped our family through the most difficult times we had ever gone through. When I wanted to give up she pushed us and encouraged us to keep fighting. When…
Beth S.
I really needed a attorney when I got involved in a very strange car accident. Many other law office refused because 2 big insurance companies were against to me so…
Shee Suh
Jimin from the start was very professional and accommodating. She came out to east bay to meet with me. We met once, she ask for the background of the incident…
Ethan Vu
Sunnyvale Hit and Run Accident FAQs
Can I recover anything if the driver is never found?
Yes, in most cases. Your uninsured motorist coverage treats the fleeing driver as uninsured and can pay for your injuries and losses.
I don't remember buying uninsured motorist coverage. Do I have it?
You probably do. California requires insurers to include it in auto policies unless the policyholder rejects it. Your policy’s declarations page will show it; we can help you check.
Does uninsured motorist coverage pay for my car?
It depends on your policy. Some coverages pay for vehicle damage in a hit-and-run; others don’t. We review what you have and file under every coverage that applies.
My own insurer is dragging its feet. What can I do?
Insurers must evaluate claims fairly and act promptly. When they don’t, they can be liable for bad faith. We handle the negotiation and act if your insurer won’t treat you fairly.
What if the police find the driver?
Then we pursue the driver’s own insurance, too. If they turn out to be uninsured, your UM coverage still applies.
What injuries are common in hit-and-run crashes?
Broken bones, back and spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, head and brain injuries, amputations, and permanent disfigurement or disability. Get checked promptly even if you feel fine.
How quickly do I need to act?
Right away. Report the crash to the police immediately and talk to a lawyer before notifying your insurer; uninsured motorist claims carry short notice deadlines, and lawsuits generally must be filed within two years.
Get Your Free, Confidential Case Review, 24/7
You paid for your coverage. We make sure it pays you. Call now or send the form; we respond fast, 24/7, in English, Spanish, or Korean. Your consultation is free and confidential. No fee unless we win.
Call (408) 256-2871Free Case Review
Solution Now Law Firm
1253 Park Ave
San Jose, CA 95126
Hablamos español · 한국어 상담 가능
