12 offices across CaliforniaFrom Stockton to Palm DesertFind yours

Hit-and-run in California?Talk to a lawyer for free.

You can still be paid after a hit-and-run, even if the driver is never found. What you do in the first 24 hours matters.

  • No fee unless we winWe only get paid when you get paid.
  • Zero upfront costYour consultation is free, with no obligation.
  • Hablamos españolNative Spanish speakers. No confusion. No delays.
  • Available 24/7We'll meet you at your home or hospital.
Get my free consultationor call(800) 985-9565

No attorney's fees unless we recover compensation. Clients may be responsible for case costs. Read the disclaimer

A firefighter and an ambulance at a car crash at an intersection
Valero Law Group was professional & knowledgeable in providing the compensation that I deserved.
Patti B.Car accident clientGoogle review

Results that speak.Millions won for car accident clients.

We've won over $500 million for our clients, including the car accident cases below.

Recognized for excellence

Avvo Rating: Excellent, Top Rated Personal InjuryTop Rated by Super Lawyers
  • $6.25MPersonal injuryA confidential settlement believed to be the largest personal injury settlement ever recorded in its county.
  • $5MAuto accidentA married couple's recovery after a crash left the husband with a brachial plexus injury.
  • $2.34MAccident claimA win for a client injured in an accident.
  • $1.5MAuto accidentA result for a driver injured in a car crash.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, and each case is different.

View all results

After a hit-and-run,what to do first.

Six steps that protect your claim, in roughly the order they come up.

Valero Law Group attorneys meeting around a conference table
  • Report it within 24 hours
    Call 911 at the scene if you can. Either way, report the hit-and-run to police within 24 hours: the city police inside a city, the sheriff or CHP outside one. Uninsured motorist coverage for an unknown driver depends on it.
  • Write down what you saw
    Any part of the plate, the make and color, which way the driver went, and the names of anyone who stopped. A plate number can open more coverage for your car and help police find the driver.
  • Ask for video quickly
    Caltrans freeway cameras don't record or keep footage, so ask nearby businesses and neighbors for security and doorbell video right away. If you have a dash cam, save the clip.
  • Tell your own insurer
    Report it to your insurance company right away. A sworn statement that the driver couldn't be identified is due within 30 days. A reported hit-and-run you didn't cause generally can't raise your premium.
  • Apply to the victim fund
    If you were injured, CalVCB can help with medical bills, counseling and lost income that insurance won't cover. Cooperate with police, and apply within seven years.
  • Don't miss the claim deadline
    Within two years, an uninsured motorist claim has to settle, go to court or go to arbitration. Signing a settlement with anyone without your insurer's written consent can void the coverage.

When the driver gets away,who pays?

Usually your own insurance, and for injuries, a state fund for crime victims. The driver's insurer pays too, if police find them.

Your injuries

Medical bills, lost pay, pain and suffering

Your car

Repairs or its value

  • Your collision coverage, after your deductible
  • Uninsured motorist property damage, but only if the driver or plate is identified
  • Rental car coverage, if your policy includes it
  • The driver and their insurer, if police find them
  • 24 hoursto report it to policeUninsured motorist coverage for an unknown driver depends on a police report within 24 hours (Insurance Code §11580.2).
  • $70,000the most the victim fund paysFor medical bills, counseling and lost income after an injury hit-and-run, when no insurance covers them (CalVCB).
  • 1 in 8California injury crashes in 2021 were hit-and-runsThe CHP counted 21,070 hit-and-run crashes that killed or injured someone that year: 540 people killed and 26,681 injured (CHP annual report).
A Valero Law Group office building with the firm's monument sign out front

12 offices, one team

Hit-and-run lawyersnear you, anywhere in California.

Every one of our offices handles hit-and-run cases. Pick yours below, or call: if you can't come to us, we'll come to you.

Also serving Los Angeles, Ontario, Oakland and communities statewide. In Washington, see our Tacoma office.

All office locations

Why choose Valero Law Group?

We champion every case,big and small.

Whether your case is worth $5,000 or $5 million, we bring the same skill, attention and determination to every client we represent.

So don't let the size of your case keep you from seeking justice: every injury deserves serious representation. Let us fight for the compensation you're owed while you focus on what matters most, your recovery.

They made me feel like a priority, and they put my needs first as a client.

IsabelValero Law Group client

400+five-star Google reviews

Real reviews fromcar accident clients.

  • Samuel M. smiling in the Valero Law Group office with his $881,000 settlement check
    Samuel M.$881,000
  • Victoria M. smiling in front of the Valero Law Group logo wall with her $625,000 settlement check
    Victoria M.$625,000
  • Karina C. smiling in the Valero Law Group office with her $625,000 settlement check
    Karina C.$625,000
  • Angela M. smiling and pointing to her $625,000 settlement check
    Angela M.$625,000
  • Destiny H. smiling with her $500,000 settlement check
    Destiny H.$500,000
  • Javier P. smiling in the Valero Law Group office with his $375,000 settlement check
    Javier P.$375,000
This company has helped me so much I can't even explain. When I was around 18 I was involved in a hit and run accident, and the company and Ms. Ashley J. provided me with the best support and allowed me to get the justice that I truly deserved.
Zay B.Google review
Read all 400+ of our reviews
I recently was in a hit and run. My dash cam was able to capture the plates! I called Valero Law Group and got help right away. I didn't have to worry; they helped me step by step.
Lucy C.Google review
I had a car accident last year and Valero was able to get me a $86,000 settlement for my injuries! Thank you for helping me out!
Janeth A.Google review
A man and a boy in traditional Colombian hats and jerseys holding Valero Law Group signs at a community event

Al Barro Foundation: supporting over 400 orphans in Mexico

From the community, for the community.

Hablamos español.

We're a Hispanic-focused firm with native Spanish-speaking attorneys. We understand your family's needs, walk you through every step in your language, and fight to get you every dollar you deserve.

Organizations we support

Sponsor of the 2024 Share the Road Scholarship

Our community outreach
  • Al Barro Foundation
  • EUNIME por Tijuana, A.C.
…they speak excellent Spanish, know how to help, and look out for their clients' best interests.
Yesica H.Google review
Ver esta página en español

Organizations we support

Sponsor of the 2024 Share the Road Scholarship

Our community outreach
  • Al Barro Foundation
  • EUNIME por Tijuana, A.C.

Common questionsafter a hit-and-run.

Can I get compensation if the driver is never found?
Often, yes. If the other car made contact with you or the car you were in and you reported it to police within 24 hours, uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy can pay for your injuries. MedPay, your health insurance and California's victim fund can help too.
What if the car never touched me?
Uninsured motorist coverage for an unknown driver requires physical contact with you or your car. Without it, MedPay, your health insurance and, for injuries, the victim fund may still help. Call us and we'll look at every option.
Will a hit-and-run raise my insurance rates?
Generally not. California limits rate increases for accidents you didn't cause, and a car hit by a driver who fled is treated as not at fault when the crash was reported in reasonable time (Insurance Code §491).
I was walking or on a bike. Am I covered?
Often. Uninsured motorist coverage generally protects you and relatives in your household even when you're on foot or on a bike, not just in your car.
What happens to the driver if they're caught?
Leaving the scene of an accident that injured someone is a crime that can be charged as a felony (Vehicle Code §20001). Separately, you can claim against the driver and their insurance, and a criminal court can order them to repay your losses.
How long do I have?
An uninsured motorist claim must settle, go to court or go to arbitration within two years. A lawsuit against the driver generally has to be filed within two years (Code of Civil Procedure §335.1). The victim fund allows seven years.
What does a hit-and-run lawyer cost?
Nothing upfront. Your consultation is free, and no attorney's fees are owed unless we recover compensation for you. You may be responsible for case-related costs and expenses; we'll explain them before you sign.
Attorney Kyle Valero
Kyle ValeroAttorney, Valero Law Group

Our easy 3-stepcase review process.

We make getting legal help simple.

  1. Free consultationCall us 24/7 or fill out our form. We'll review your case at no cost.
  2. Review your caseOur experienced attorneys investigate and evaluate your case to build the strongest claim possible.
  3. Injury litigationWe fight for maximum compensation, in negotiation or in court.
Start my free case review

Don't wait. There are legal deadlines.

A Valero Law Group team member smiling beside a firm car with the VLG logo on the door

Have a question about a potential case?Talk to a hit-and-run lawyer today.

Your consultation is always free, with no obligation. We're happy to answer any questions and walk you through your options. No pressure, just honest answers.

(800) 985-9565
  • Available 24/7, including weekends
  • Hablamos español
  • Free and confidential, no obligation

Get your free case review

Free and confidential. Sending this form does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Thank you. We'll call you shortly.

If it's urgent, call us now at (800) 985-9565. We're available 24/7.

This is a design preview, so nothing was sent.

All car accident cases

Other types of car accidents

Hit-and-run lawyers by city

(800) 985-9565Free review