Hit and Run Car Accidents in Westlake Village

After a hit and run collision, it is common to feel stuck and unsure about what to do next. You may be recovering from injuries, trying to figure out how to cover repair costs, and waiting for clear answers from your insurance company. In these moments, legal help could have a significant impact on your case.

An experienced car accident attorney from Block LLP could review deadlines, help secure police records, and communicate with insurers so you do not feel pressured into making decisions quickly. They could also advise you on what evidence to keep and what steps to take promptly. If you are dealing with the aftermath of a hit and run car accident in Westlake Village, seeking legal guidance could provide the clarity and support you need to take the next steps.

What Are the Liability, Insurance, and Legal Timelines After a Hit and Run?

State law considers hit and run accidents to be serious offenses. Under California Vehicle Code §§ 20001–20002, drivers have a duty to remain at the scene, render aid, and provide information. Failing to do so can lead to criminal charges. In civil claims, these statutes often apply through negligence per se, especially when paired with California Evidence Code § 669.

As authorities sometimes never identify the negligent driver, many claims rely on insurance coverage. Uninsured or underinsured motorist protection and medical payments benefits can become key resources. The California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 sets a two-year statute of limitations for most injury actions, although shorter timeframes can apply if your claim involves a government entity.

Accident reports might come from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department at the Malibu/Lost Hills Station or the California Highway Patrol. Lawyers often request collision reports, traffic camera footage, or nearby security video. They may also work with investigators or prosecutors to preserve your restitution records. A lawyer could evaluate these details, assess your coverage, and take steps to advance your claim while you focus on recovery. If you suffered injuries in a vehicle collision in Westlake Village where the other driver left the scene, some practical steps you can take to support a strong claim include:

• Keeping copies of all repair and towing receipts
• Saving discharge notes and medical records
• Taking photos of your injuries and property damage
• Noting nearby businesses or homes with security cameras
• Preserving dashcam or phone video files
• Filing the DMV SR-1 form if required

Each of these actions helps build the foundation of your hit and run injury claim and allows insurers to better understand the full scope of your losses.

Building a Legal Claim After a Hit and Run Crash

Evidence often determines how these cases unfold. Camera footage from intersections or private property can establish a vehicle’s direction, speed, or type. Witness statements provide details that written records may not capture. Cell phone metadata, telematics, and vehicle event data recorders sometimes reveal crucial information about speed or braking.

Attorneys with experience in hit and run accident cases often send preservation letters, work with accident reconstruction experts, and align this evidence with your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you never locate the driver in Westlake Village who failed to stop after the car accident, your lawyer may file an uninsured motorist claim while continuing to monitor possible leads.

Speak With a Lawyer After a Hit and Run Collision in Westlake Village

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a hit and run crash, having legal guidance could help you understand your options. At Block LLP, our lawyers have experience handling hit and run car accidents in Westlake Village and could provide insight into insurance coverage, filing deadlines, and the types of evidence that may strengthen your claim.

If you are ready to take the next step, contact us today for a free case evaluation and discover how our team could help you understand your options and decide how to move forward.