Leaving the scene of a crash that injures someone is a crime in California (Vehicle Code section 20001). It can mean state prison when the crash causes death or permanent serious injury. Police treat these cases seriously. But their success depends on evidence that fades quickly.
The tools police use
1. License plate reader cameras
Cameras from Flock Safety and other companies photograph passing vehicles and record the time and place. Police can search a partial plate, or search by color, body type and visible damage. In a Michigan case in 2026, cameras showed a suspect car with its mirror at 10:40 p.m. and without it at 10:45 p.m. That timeline led to an arrest. More: Flock cameras: do they actually save lives?
2. Business and home video
Gas stations, stores, apartment buildings and doorbell cameras often catch the car before or after the crash. This video is often the evidence that confirms a plate reader lead. It is also the first to be overwritten.
3. Parts left at the scene
Mirrors, headlight pieces and trim often carry part numbers. They can narrow the search to a make, model and year range. Paint transfer on your vehicle can show the other car’s color.
4. Witnesses and 911 calls
A partial plate from a witness, even two or three characters, can turn a camera search from thousands of cars to a few.
5. Body shops, tips and social media
Drivers who flee often need repairs. Police may alert body shops and ask the public for tips. Local news and social media posts bring many tips.
6. Phone and vehicle data
In serious cases, police may seek phone location records or vehicle data with a warrant.
What you can do to help
- Report the crash to 911 from the scene, with every detail you remember.
- Photograph debris, your vehicle damage and every camera you can see.
- Ask nearby businesses and homeowners to save video right away.
- Give the officer the names of witnesses.
- Follow up. Ask if a suspect vehicle was found.
Step by step: how to get license plate camera footage after a hit-and-run.
How long do police have to charge the driver?
For a hit-and-run that causes death or permanent, serious injury, California allows charges within the normal period or within one year after police first identify the suspect, whichever is later, but not more than six years after the crash (Penal Code section 803(j)). This helps when a camera or tip identifies the driver months later.
What if police never find the driver?
You may still recover money. Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can pay for injuries caused by an unknown driver. In California:
- There must have been physical contact between the vehicles, or between the vehicle and you.
- The crash must be reported to police within 24 hours.
- A sworn statement must go to your insurer within 30 days.
- Within 2 years, you must file suit, reach an agreement with your insurer, or formally start arbitration.
Source: Insurance Code section 11580.2. If you were a passenger, a pedestrian or on a bicycle, UM coverage in your own household policy may still apply. See uninsured motorist claims.
What if police find the driver?
You may be able to claim against that driver’s liability insurance. If that driver has little or no insurance, your UM or underinsured (UIM) coverage may add to it. The criminal case and your injury claim are separate. A conviction can help your claim, but you do not need to wait for it. The civil deadline is generally 2 years from the injury (Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1).
Camera evidence is a lead, not proof
A camera hit shows a car was near the scene. It does not prove that car caused the crash. Police in Florida arrested the wrong woman in 2026 based on a Flock image of a similar car. The charges were dropped after 13 days in jail. Good investigations match the car to the crash with damage, paint, debris and timing. See when license plate camera evidence is wrong.
Frequently asked questions
Do police actually look for hit-and-run drivers?
Yes, especially when someone is hurt. Results depend on evidence. A quick report with a description and nearby video gives the best chance.
Can police find a hit-and-run driver without a plate number?
Often. License plate reader systems can search by vehicle color, type and damage within a time and place. Business and doorbell video can then confirm the plate.
Is hit-and-run a felony in California?
Leaving the scene of a crash that causes injury can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. Leaving a crash that causes death or permanent serious injury carries up to four years in state prison.
Who pays if the hit-and-run driver is never found?
Your own uninsured motorist coverage, if you have it. In California there are strict reporting rules: police report within 24 hours and a sworn statement to your insurer within 30 days.
General information, not legal advice about your case. Laws differ by state. Every case is different. Call us to talk about yours.