Hit-and-Run Crashes in California: How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Can Protect You

In the Bay Area and across California, hit-and-run accidents are an unfortunate reality. Whether it’s a late-night sideswipe in Oakland or a freeway collision in San Jose, victims are often left with injuries, vehicle damage, and no way to hold the at-fault driver accountable. Fortunately, California law provides a critical safety net: Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage.

 

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured Motorist coverage is part of your auto insurance policy that steps in when the at-fault driver either:

• Has no insurance
• Cannot be identified (as in a hit-and-run)

In California, UM coverage is automatically included in your policy unless you waive it in writing. It’s divided into two key components:

• UMBI (Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury): Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for you and your passengers.
• UMPD (Uninsured Motorist Property Damage): Covers damage to your vehicle—if you don’t have collision coverage.

How UM Coverage Applies to Hit-and-Run Accidents

California Insurance Code §11580.2 outlines specific requirements for UM coverage to apply in hit-and-run cases:

 

1. Physical Contact Rule

There must be actual physical contact between your vehicle and the unknown vehicle. If a phantom driver causes you to crash without touching your car, UM coverage may not apply—even if there are witnesses.

 

2. Timely Police Report

You must report the accident to law enforcement within 24 hours. This is a strict requirement and failing to do so can jeopardize your claim.

 

3. Prompt Insurance Notification

Notify your insurer of the hit-and-run within 30 days. You may also be required to provide a sworn statement detailing the incident.

 

Why This Matters

One in six California drivers are uninsured. Hit-and-run victims often face steep medical bills and repair costs with no recourse against the fleeing driver. UM coverage ensures that you’re not left footing the bill for someone else’s negligence.

 

Harriman Law’s Perspective

At Harriman Law, we’ve seen firsthand how UM coverage can make the difference between financial recovery and hardship. We encourage all drivers to review their policies and ensure they carry sufficient UM/UIM coverage. If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run, our team is here to help you navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.