Lancaster, CA asked in Criminal Law and Car Accidents for California

Q: Hit and run. Person fled on foot ditched the car. Car isn't registered to the person and can't contact. What to do?

I want to find them.

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3 Lawyer Answers
William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Notify your collision insurer and let it worry about chasing the driver and owner of the other vehicle. If you don't have insurance, you can sue the registered owner for up to $5k for property damage and up to $10k for bodily injury in Small Claims (two separate cases). The owner is liable for up to $15k/person for bodily injury (for permissive use of the vehicle) if you sue in Superior Court, but you will need an attorney for that. If you have UIM coverage, you can also pursue that, if your injuries justify it, but you will need to exhaust the $15k against the driver, or establish that the driver is uninsured, or cannot be found.

Robert Dourian
Robert Dourian
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Pasadena, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Sounds like a job for local law enforcement and if you have the means, a private investigator. Meanwhile have you checked all of your insurance coverages, including Uninsured Motorist on your auto, to see if this might not qualify as a claim?

Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Palm Desert, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: initially, you need to report to the local police........and notify your insurance carrier and let them do the work.

you would file a UM claim.

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