Immediately Following Your Accident
Seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t think you are injured. Once your adrenaline subsides, pain and injuries may surface, making a thorough examination crucial. Contact law enforcement to request a police report and, if you are able, secure your evidence and witness statements.
Call your insurance company to inform them of the accident, but do not discuss the details of the case until you’ve talked to a lawyer.
A Newport Beach hit and run lawyer at Bisnar Chase will do everything possible to secure justice for accident victims who do not know where to turn. A hit-and-run accident is when a car, pedestrian, or cyclist is hit by a vehicle, with the offending party fleeing from the scene without stopping or waiting for the police to arrive.
These can be difficult cases. But if the culprit fails to stop, you may still be able to win compensation. If a hit-and-run incident has caused you injury, Bisnar Chase may be able to assist you.
Top-Rated Hit-and-Run Attorneys Near You
We have been representing Newport Beach residents for more than 48 years, securing settlements and verdicts totaling over $1 billion for our clients.
- A 99% success rate.
- More than $1B recovered.
- Experts in pre-litigation settlements and experienced trial lawyers.
- High-stakes litigators.
- A free consultation and a no win, no fee promise.
Our Newport Beach personal injury attorneys can help you navigate your hit-and-run ordeal. We can take the stress out of dealing with insurance companies and medical bills and help victims get the compensation they deserve. Our motivation stems from our belief in assisting innocent individuals who have suffered injustice.
Call (949) 203-3814 now for specialist help from a Newport Beach hit-and-run attorney.
Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers in Newport Beach
Types of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Newport Beach
The term ‘hit-and-run’ usually refers to an incident in which a driver hits something or someone with their vehicle and then knowingly leaves the scene without leaving their information.
These incidents can be divided into misdemeanor hit-and-runs, which usually solely involve property damage, and felony hit-and-runs, which result in injury or death.
Types of hit and runs can include:
- Car accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Stationary object accidents (such as hitting a parked car)
If a vehicle hits you and the offending driver stops as they should, the legal case can be relatively straightforward. But a hit-and-run accident is often much more complicated. At Bisnar Chase, our team of experienced legal professionals is ready to help.
We are experts in injury cases involving vehicle collisions and injuries, and you can trust us to explore all avenues of compensation and secure the maximum possible money for you, including high-stakes litigation by our trial lawyers.
Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents in Newport Beach
Newport Beach is a tourist attraction in its own right. With top-notch sandy beaches, shops, and restaurants, it is a popular destination. Pedestrians often have a false sense of security when crossing the busy peninsula to reach the beach, but many drivers fail to see and stop for the crossings—especially if they are unfamiliar with the area.
Cyclists are also a common sight in the area, both on PCH and further into Newport. Many people cycle to and from the beach and use bikes to get to Newport bars.
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver hits a pedestrian or cyclist and then flees the scene of the accident. A victim should contact a specialist hit and run lawyer in Newport Beach for help.
Detailed Criminal Penalties for the Fleeing Driver
- California Vehicle Code citations: VC §20002 (misdemeanor—property damage only) vs. VC§20001 (felony – injury or death).
- Concrete penalties: misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail, $1,000 fine, probation, DMV points); felony (up to $10,000 fine, 2–4+ years state prison, restitution, license suspension/revocation).
- “Wobbler” offense note and DMV/insurance consequences (SR-22 filing, rate hikes, points on record).
Insurance Coverage Breakdown (UM/UIM, Collision, MedPay)
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: pays for bodily injury (and sometimes pain & suffering) when the driver is never found; often does not cover vehicle/property damage.
- Collision coverage vs. deductible issues.
- Medical Payments (MedPay) limits and time restrictions in your policy.
- No rate increase guarantee if a police report is filed immediately.
- Please consider reviewing or upgrading your policy to enhance your coverage and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Will My Insurance Rates Go Up After a Hit-and-Run Claim?
In most cases, no. Thanks to California’s Proposition 103, insurance companies are generally not allowed to raise your premiums when you file a claim under your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage for an accident that was not your fault. While every policy is different, the vast majority of our clients do not see their rates increase after a hit-and-run claim.
Can I Get Punitive Damages Against a Hit-and-Run Driver?
In certain cases, yes. If the driver’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious—such as fleeing the scene after driving under the influence—you may be entitled to punitive damages under California law. These damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer rather than simply compensate you for your losses. Punitive damages are not available in every case and require strong evidence, but we will thoroughly investigate whether they apply to your situation.
Statute of Limitations to File A Claim
You generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a claim—acting quickly preserves evidence and maximizes recovery. That’s why it’s essential to hire a personal injury lawyer who handles hit and run injury claims as soon as possible. The case will take time, so you want to have filed all the necessary legal paperwork before the deadline.
How Our Attorneys Investigate & Locate the Fleeing Driver (Evidence Preservation)
- We use private investigators, DMV database searches, surveillance/CCTV from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, paint chip/forensic analysis, and witness canvassing. We preserve all of this evidence.
- Timeline: Why immediate action matters (dashcam footage is often overwritten within days). Such footage can be crucial evidence in your case.
Who Pays in a Hit-and-Run Accident Case in Newport Beach?
If you have been injured by a fleeing driver, a Newport Beach hit-and-run lawyer can help you take action to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Hit-and-run cases can be divided into two categories.
If the Hit-and-Run Driver is Caught by the Police:
If the driver is caught, they could be the subject of a hit-and-run charge. It’s also possible to make a legal claim against them for compensation. In some cases, the driver might have insurance that you can claim against. However, many hit-and-run cases involve drivers without insurance. This information will dictate the actions of your hit-and-run lawyer.
If the Driver is Not Caught:
If there is no driver to take legal action against, your other option is to seek compensation through your own insurance. There are several different forms of insurance that you could have in California. A hit-and-run lawyer in Newport Beach will be able to assess your policy and help you with the negotiations with your own insurance firm to make sure you get the maximum amount possible.
Hit-and-run compensation can depend on:
- The damage to your own car, bike, or other vehicles
- The injuries you have sustained
- Medical expenses and ongoing care
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
You can trust our team of hit and run attorneys at Bisnar Chase to explore all available options to ensure you are compensated for your injuries, even if the at-fault driver fled the scene of the accident.
Newport Beach, CA Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics
2023 (most recent year available)
- 24 hit-and-run fatal & injury collisions
- OTS ranking: 54 out of 103 comparable cities
- For context, Newport Beach had 494 total fatal and injury collisions that year.
Earlier years for comparison
- 2022: 28 hit-and-run fatal & injury collisions (ranked 58/104)
- 2021: 23 hit-and-run fatal & injury collisions (ranked 57/105)
- Statewide, California sees roughly 20,000–20,600 hit-and-run injury crashes per year, but local breakdowns lag.
- Hit-and-run fatalities have risen by more than 60% since 2009
- There were more than 737,000 hit-and-run crashes across the U.S. in 2015
- About 140,000 people are injured in hit-and-run accidents every year
- A hit-and-run crash happens every 43 seconds in the U.S. on average
- In July 2024, a woman was killed by a hit and run driver in Newport Beach
Psychology of Why Hit and Run Accidents Happen?
Hit-and-run crashes (where a driver leaves the scene without stopping to help, exchange info, or report the incident) occur for a combination of practical fears, psychological reactions, and situational factors. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, these incidents are common—historically happening about every 43 seconds in the U.S.—and have been increasing over time, with fatal cases rising notably in recent years.
Top Reasons Drivers Flee (and Why They Make the Situation Worse)
Here’s what research and traffic safety experts consistently identify as the main drivers behind this behavior:
Fear of immediate legal or financial consequences
- The primary trigger is often panic over what stopping would mean right now. Common fears include being uninsured or underinsured (knowing they can’t pay for damages).
- Driving without a valid license, driving with a suspended license, or driving with outstanding warrants are common triggers.
- If alcohol or drugs are involved, they may face DUI/DWI charges. In the moment, fleeing feels like the quickest way to avoid arrest, fines, license loss, or deportation (in some cases). But such behavior turns a potential misdemeanor or civil issue into a felony in most states, especially if there’s injury or death.
Drugs or alcohol
- Impairment from alcohol or drugs. Hit-and-run incidents significantly overrepresent drivers under the influence. Substance use clouds judgment, reduces empathy, and amplifies the urge to escape detection. NHTSA data links impairment to both causing the crash and fleeing afterward.
Pure panic and the brain’s fight-or-flight response
- Even sober drivers can experience a sudden adrenaline surge after impact. Psychologists describe it as an instinctive “escape danger” reaction—the brain overrides rational thinking in a split second. Some drivers later report feeling disoriented or acting without considering the victim. Shame, guilt, or fear of facing the other person can also kick in. Experts note that such behavior isn’t always about a lack of morals; it’s often about impaired decision-making under extreme stress.
What Victims Should do After a Hit-and-Run in Newport Beach
At the scene of a hit-and-run accident, you should:
- Try to take in as many details about the hit-and-run driver as possible.
- Call 911.
- Move away from your vehicle to a safe position.
- Make sure anyone who needs medical attention gets treatment, including yourself.
- Talk to police officers about the hit-and-run driver. Try to give them as much detail as possible, including:
– The make, model, and color of the car
– The license plate number, if possible
– Any characteristics of the driver you could see, such as age, gender, hair length, and color
– Anything unique or unusual about the vehicle, such as dents or bumper stickers
– How the crash happened
– The direction the car was headed in - Take pictures at the scene—including the scene itself, any marks on the road, your vehicle, and anything else relevant.
- Talk to witnesses who saw the accident. Get signed statements from them, or take their contact details.
- Save any dashcam footage or CCTV evidence.
- Contact a Newport Beach hit-and-run lawyer.
Hit-and-Run Accident Injuries
Victims of hit-and-run accidents can suffer severe injuries. Whether the victim is a pedestrian or another driver, these crashes can lead to:
- Broken bones, severe cuts, and wounds
- Internal injuries
- Burn injuries
- Amputations
- Whiplash and back injuries
- Catastrophic injuries—including spinal cord injuries and head trauma
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Death
The compensation available to injury victims is different in every case. It depends on the impact of the accident, the severity of the injuries, and any related issues moving forward.
Top-Rated Newport Beach Hit and Run Accident Lawyers Near You
Bisnar Chase has been representing clients in hit-and-run cases for more than 48 years. We have handled high-profile cases across Southern California, maintaining an outstanding 99% success rate and collecting more than $900 million for our clients.
We believe in building trusting attorney-client relationships and ensuring that our clients feel comfortable with every step of the legal process. In addition, we aim to make our services as accessible as possible to all people. We advance all case-related costs, offering a ‘No Win, No Fee’ guarantee.
This means that you will not pay unless we win your case. If you have been injured in an accident, the Newport Beach hit-and-run lawyers of Bisnar Chase can provide expert help and sound legal advice.
Call (949) 203-3814 for immediate help, visit our Newport Beach law offices, or message us through our website for a free case evaluation with no obligations. We look forward to hearing from you.
Brian Chase
Serving California Since 1978
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated personal injury law firm with a national reputation. The firm has been in business since 1978 and has represented thousands of clients. Based in Newport Beach and with offices across California, Bisnar Chase has recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, emphasizing superior client representation above all.
