California has one of the highest rates of hit-and-run collisions in the country, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Pedestrians in Bakersfield are especially vulnerable to serious or fatal injuries when careless drivers flee the scene. In Central California cities like Bakersfield—where many residents walk, bike, and commute daily—hit-and-run accidents occur far too often and can leave victims facing devastating consequences. Whether the victim is a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist, or motorist, the aftermath of a hit-and-run can be overwhelming. During this difficult time, guidance from an experienced Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and helping you pursue the compensation you deserve.
While some hit-and-run incidents involve only minor property damage, many others involve vulnerable road users such as:
Pedestrians
Cyclists
Motorcyclists
Other motorists
In California, a hit-and-run can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Property-damage-only crashes typically lead to misdemeanor charges, while hit-and-runs that cause injury or death result in felony charges. Regardless of the severity, a hit-and-run collision can leave victims overwhelmed, injured, and searching for answers.
If your injuries were caused by a negligent driver—whether they were distracted, impaired, or reckless—you deserve justice. A knowledgeable and compassionate attorney like Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer Donald Colvin can help you seek closure and the compensation you need to move forward.
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver leaves the scene of a collision without stopping to provide their contact or insurance information. This is a criminal offense under California Vehicle Code and can lead to serious consequences for the fleeing driver.
Even if the crash seems minor, all drivers involved are legally required to remain at the scene. When a negligent driver flees, victims often face confusion about how to file a claim, who is responsible, and how to recover damages. An experienced Bakersfield attorney can guide you through these steps and help build a strong case.
Taking the right actions immediately can protect your claim and prevent you from being wrongly accused of leaving the scene.
Move your vehicle out of traffic, if possible, and check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone needs medical attention.
A police report is required if damages exceed $750 or if anyone is injured—even slightly. Provide officers with your:
Name and contact information
Driver’s license
Vehicle registration
Insurance details
If the car belongs to someone else, provide their information as well.
Try to gather as much information about the fleeing driver as possible:
Make, model, and color of the vehicle
License plate number (even partial)
Distinguishing features (stickers, dents, broken lights)
Take photographs of:
Your vehicle
The accident scene
Skid marks, debris, or vehicle parts left behind
Get names and contact information from anyone who saw the crash.
Report the hit-and-run as soon as possible to start the claims process.
You may be able to recover compensation through:
If law enforcement identifies the fleeing driver, you can pursue a claim through their liability insurance.
If the driver cannot be located or is uninsured, you may file a claim under:
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage (UM/UIM)
Important: In California, you cannot use UM coverage for property damage in anonymous hit-and-run cases. You must pay your deductible unless the driver is identified.
Hit-and-run cases are more complex than standard auto accidents. Insurance companies may try to delay, deny, or undervalue your claim—especially if the at-fault driver hasn’t been found.
A skilled attorney can:
Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
Gather medical records, evidence, and witness statements
Help identify the fleeing driver when possible
File a lawsuit for damages, lost income, and long-term medical needs
Protect you from unfair settlement offers
If the other driver is located, your lawyer can pursue a civil lawsuit to obtain compensation for:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Future treatment
Property damage
Wrongful death (if applicable)
If you or a loved one was hurt in a hit-and-run, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Insurance companies may pressure you to settle quickly—often before you know the full extent of your injuries.
Attorney Donald Colvin is prepared to fight for your rights and guide you through every step of the process. Call today for compassionate support and experienced legal representation.
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