Nearest office in San Jose, CA45 E Julian StDirections

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

You can still be paid after a hit-and-run, even if the driver is never found. Report it to Oakland police or the CHP within 24 hours.

  • 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.
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Call our San Jose office(408) 516-428324/7 line: (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
What a pleasure it was to work with Leticia R. She was very professional and helped point me in the right direction.
Julie S.Valero Law Group 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 personal injury settlement.
  • $5MAuto accidentFor a husband and wife after the husband suffered a brachial plexus injury.
  • $2.34MAccident claimA win for a client injured in an accident.
  • $1.5MAuto accidentA win for a client injured in an auto accident.

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

View all results

After a hit‑and‑run in Oakland,what to do first.

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

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  • Report it within 24 hours
    Call 911 at the scene if you can. Either way, report it to police within 24 hours and get the report number: uninsured motorist coverage for an unknown driver depends on it. On an Oakland street, a hit-and-run can be reported to Oakland police online, but not if it happened on a freeway, you know who did it, you have photos or video, or the damage is over $5,000: then call (510) 777-3333, any time, or go in person. If you were injured, call, so an officer takes the report. On I‑580, I‑880, Highway 24 or I‑80, call the CHP, (510) 457-2875.
  • 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. In Oakland, if you have the plate, photos or video, call police rather than report it online.
  • Ask for video quickly
    Caltrans freeway cameras don't record or keep footage, and Oakland's speed cameras photograph only the rear plate of speeding cars and keep a photo just five days if no ticket is issued. So ask nearby businesses and neighbors for security and doorbell video right away. If it happened near an AC Transit bus or a BART station, their cameras may have caught it: ask right away, and we can send the request. 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. The Alameda County District Attorney's Victim Witness Assistance Division helps you apply, free, regardless of immigration status: 1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 802, Oakland, (510) 272-6180. Call before you go.
  • 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. If the vehicle turns out to be a City of Oakland, AC Transit or BART vehicle, a written claim to that agency is usually due within six months.

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).
  • 1st of 15for injury hit-and-runs among California's 15 largest citiesThe state's Office of Traffic Safety ranked Oakland worst of California's 15 largest cities for hit-and-run crashes that killed or injured someone in 2021, 2022 and 2023, where 1st is the worst: 499 such crashes on its city streets in 2023 (OTS crash rankings).
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Our nearest office

Hit-and-run lawyersfor Oakland and the East Bay.

Our office is in San Jose, about 40 miles south on I‑880. We'll come to you.

Call us from home, the hospital or the body shop. We'll meet you anywhere from Berkeley to Fremont, so you don't have to make the drive to San Jose.

Other offices nearbyStocktonModestoSalinas

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 fromour 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 I got help right away. I didn't have to worry; they helped me step by step.
Lucy C.Google review
I recommend this law firm! Leticia R. did an outstanding job in my case. Thank you for making the process smooth!
Erika C.Google review
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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
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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 in Oakland.

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.
Can I report a hit-and-run to Oakland police online?
Often, yes, if it happened on an Oakland street, not a freeway. You can't use the online form if you know who did it, have photos or video, or the damage is over $5,000: then call Oakland police at (510) 777-3333, 24 hours a day, or report it in person at the Police Administration Building, 455 7th Street, open around the clock. If you were injured, call, so an officer takes the report.
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.
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 a crash 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). If the vehicle turns out to be a City of Oakland, AC Transit or BART vehicle, a six-month claim deadline can apply, so call us early. The victim fund allows seven years.
Do you have an office in Oakland?
No. Our nearest office is in San Jose, at 45 E Julian St, about 40 miles south of downtown Oakland. You don't have to come in: call us 24/7 at (800) 985-9565 and we'll meet you at home or in the hospital, anywhere from Berkeley to Fremont.
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

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

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24/7 line: (800) 985-9565

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