Why Choose Sally Morin Law for Your San Francisco Hit-and-Run Case
We are a five-star rated, all-female California personal injury firm that has represented seriously injured traffic-accident victims since 1997. Our practice is limited to cases involving broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, injuries requiring hospitalization or surgery, and other life-changing harm.
Named hit-and-run results include:
- $100,000 – San Francisco motorcyclist struck by an impatient driver who fled; recovery combined third-party limits and the client’s own UM/UIM coverage.
- $65,000 – Bicyclist run over by a pickup truck and trailer; the driver initially did not realize the impact.
- $45,000 – Oakland bicycle hit-and-run settlement.
- Additional recoveries, including a $250,000 bicycle hit-and-run case in which our team helped identify the fleeing driver.
Fee promise: We work on a pure contingency fee. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We also negotiate medical liens downward so more of the recovery stays with you.
Notable California Hit-and-Run Results
$100,000 – Motorcycle Hit-and-Run
A 48-year-old San Francisco motorcyclist was clipped by an impatient driver while turning into his driveway on Pacific Coast Highway. The driver fled. Dash-cam footage from the following vehicle identified the at-fault driver. Recovery combined the driver’s $50,000 liability limits with the client’s UM/UIM coverage for a total of $100,000; medical liens were also reduced.
A bicyclist commuting on a beach cruiser was run over by a pickup truck hauling a trailer. The driver did not notice the impact until a witness flagged him down.
$45,000 – Oakland Bicycle Hit-and-Run
Settlement for a cyclist injured in an Oakland hit-and-run collision.
$250,000 – Bicycle Hit-and-Run (Driver Identified)
A cyclist training for a charity event was struck by a distracted driver who fled. Our team helped locate the responsible driver and secured a $250,000 recovery.
Key California Laws That Apply to Hit-and-Run Accidents
Duty to stop and render aid – California Vehicle Code §§ 20001 & 20002
Drivers involved in an accident that causes injury or death (CVC § 20001) or significant property damage (CVC § 20002) must stop, provide identification, and render reasonable assistance. Leaving the scene is a crime. A felony hit-and-run conviction can carry prison time and substantial fines. These criminal provisions also strengthen the civil claim.
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
When the at-fault driver flees and cannot be identified, or has no (or inadequate) insurance, your own UM/UIM policy is often the primary path to recovery. UM coverage typically treats the hit-and-run vehicle as an uninsured motorist. This is why carrying adequate UM/UIM limits is critical in California.
Pure comparative negligence – Civil Code § 1714 and Li v. Yellow Cab Co.
You may still recover even if you were partially at fault; your damages are reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Statute of limitations – Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1
Most personal-injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of injury. Government claims generally require notice within six months. Hit-and-run cases can involve extra investigative time, so early action is important.
Minimum liability limits – SB 1107 (effective January 1, 2025)
California raised minimum bodily-injury limits to $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident. Many drivers still carry only the minimum (or none), reinforcing the value of strong UM/UIM coverage.
We use these statutes, police reports, witness statements, surveillance or dash-cam footage, and insurance policy analysis to build the strongest possible recovery path.
San Francisco & Bay Area Hit-and-Run Realities
Hit-and-run collisions are a persistent problem in San Francisco and across California. The state has historically ranked among the highest in the nation for hit-and-run fatalities, and vulnerable road users—pedestrians and bicyclists—account for a disproportionate share of those killed or seriously injured.
San Francisco’s Vision Zero High Injury Network shows that a small percentage of city streets account for the majority of severe and fatal traffic injuries. Dense traffic, complex intersections, heavy rideshare activity, and mixed road users create conditions in which a driver may flee after a collision. Many victims are left injured on the roadway without immediate assistance.
Cases arising in San Francisco are typically handled in San Francisco Superior Court. East Bay, Peninsula, and South Bay collisions may be in the appropriate county superior court. Our team investigates local surveillance cameras, witness leads, and available dash-cam or doorbell footage whenever possible, while simultaneously opening the UM/UIM claim so recovery is not delayed solely by the search for the fleeing driver.
How a Hit-and-Run Claim Works & What To Do Now
Immediate steps after a hit-and-run
- Seek medical care immediately—even if symptoms seem minor at first.
- Call 911 and report the hit-and-run. Request that a police report be created.
- Document the scene: photos of injuries, vehicle or bike damage, skid marks, debris, and any surrounding cameras.
- Collect witness names and contact information.
- Note any partial license plate, vehicle description, or direction of travel.
- Do not discuss fault or give recorded statements to insurers without legal advice.
- Contact an experienced hit-and-run lawyer promptly so the investigation and UM/UIM claim can begin.
Two parallel tracks: criminal and civil
The police investigate the criminal hit-and-run. Separately, we pursue the civil claim for your injuries and losses. These tracks can proceed at the same time. Even if the driver is never identified or charged, your civil recovery through UM/UIM coverage can still move forward.
What our firm handles
- Coordination with law enforcement and follow-up on the police report
- Independent investigation (witnesses, cameras, vehicle identification when possible)
- Immediate opening and pursuit of your UM/UIM claim
- Documentation of all medical treatment, lost wages, and non-economic damages
- Negotiation of medical liens so you keep more of the recovery
- Litigation if a fair resolution cannot be reached
UM/UIM is the differentiating recovery path
When the driver flees and remains unidentified, your own uninsured motorist coverage is frequently the main source of compensation. We treat these claims with the same thoroughness as third-party liability claims—gathering evidence, preparing a full demand, and negotiating aggressively. If the driver is later found, we pursue that policy as well and coordinate the coverages.
Typical timeline
Some UM/UIM hit-and-run claims resolve within a few months after medical treatment stabilizes. Cases that involve ongoing driver identification efforts or disputed coverage can take longer. We keep both the investigation and the insurance claim moving in parallel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run Accidents in San Francisco
Can I recover compensation if the hit-and-run driver is never found?
Yes. Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is designed for exactly this situation. We open and pursue the UM claim while any police investigation continues.
What should I do immediately after a hit-and-run?
Get medical care, call 911, document the scene, collect witness information, note any vehicle details, and contact a lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.
Does filing a UM claim raise my insurance rates?
California Proposition 103 generally prohibits insurers from raising rates solely because you made an uninsured motorist claim. We can discuss the specifics of your policy.
How is a hit-and-run different from a regular car accident claim?
The at-fault driver has fled, so identification and third-party liability coverage may be unavailable or delayed. UM/UIM coverage and prompt investigation become central.
What if the driver is identified later?
We can pursue the driver’s liability policy in addition to (or in coordination with) your UM/UIM coverage, depending on the facts and policy language.
How long do I have to file a hit-and-run claim in California?
Most personal-injury claims must be filed within two years (CCP § 335.1). Early action preserves evidence and protects deadlines.
Do I need a police report?
Yes. A police report is important for both the criminal investigation and your insurance claim. We help ensure the report is obtained and followed up.
What damages can I recover?
Medical expenses, future care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses—subject to the available UM/UIM or liability coverage limits.
What Clients Say
Related Resources & Internal Links
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist
- Will Making an Uninsured Motorist Claim Raise My Insurance Rates?
- How Much Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage Should I Get?
- Motorist Insurance Coverage FAQ
Hit-and-run case studies
Contact a California Hit and Run Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a traffic accident, speak with our team. We will explain your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Meet Our Team
Get the settlement you deserve
Since 1997, Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers have helped clients recover compensation for serious injuries from car, motorcycle, scooter accidents, and more. Contact our expert team for help with your California injury case.
Our Location
We serve clients throughout Oakland and the East Bay from our San Francisco headquarters.