Downtown LA Double Hit-and-Run: What Victims Need To Do Next

A recent, horrific incident in Downtown Los Angeles has once again cast a spotlight on the dangers pedestrians face and the callousness of hit-and-run drivers. On October 5, a woman crossing the street at Central Avenue and 14th Place was struck not once, but twice, by two separate vehicles that both fled the scene. According to an ABC7 report, a dark-colored Ford Explorer hit the woman first, and while she was lying injured in the street, a second car, possibly a Honda CR-V, struck her again.¹ She was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

This devastating event is a parent’s worst nightmare and a tragedy for our community. For the victim and her family, the path forward is filled with medical challenges and legal complexities. At Walch Law, our family has been helping injured Californians for over 45 years. We want to provide clear, practical guidance on what victims need to do immediately after a complex, multi-vehicle hit-and-run. It is critical to understand that you have rights and options for recovery, even when the drivers responsible are unknown. Call now to speak with us directly.

You Have Rights, Even When the Drivers Flee

The most common question after a hit-and-run is, “How can I get compensation if we don’t know who hit me?” California law provides several important safety nets.

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: This is the most critical source of recovery. If you have car insurance, your own policy’s UM/UIM coverage steps in to act as the insurance for the at-fault driver who fled. This can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, up to your policy limits.
• California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB): This state program can help pay bills and cover losses for victims of violent crimes, which includes felony hit-and-run accidents.
• Crime Victim Assistance Programs: Local District Attorney’s offices often have programs to help victims navigate the system and access resources.

It is essential to know that your immigration status has absolutely no effect on your right to recover compensation. Our conversations are protected by attorney-client confidentiality, and we will never ask about or report your status.

Critical Deadlines You Cannot Afford to Miss

In any personal injury case, and especially in complex ones involving government entities or hit-and-run drivers, time is of the essence. Missing a deadline can permanently bar you from receiving any compensation.

• 24-72 Hours: Notify your own auto insurance company about the accident to preserve your right to make a UM/UIM claim. Policies have strict reporting requirements.
• 6 Months: If any public entity might be responsible (e.g., a dangerous road design, faulty traffic signal, or even an unidentified city vehicle), you must file a formal Government Claim within six months of the incident.
• 6 Months (Post-Rejection): After a government entity rejects your claim, you have another six months from the rejection date to file a lawsuit.
• 2 Years: The standard statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in California is two years from the date of the accident.

Preserving Evidence in a Downtown LA Crash

In a busy urban environment like Downtown Los Angeles, evidence disappears incredibly fast. Your legal team must act immediately to preserve it.

• Surveillance Cameras: We send investigators to canvass every nearby business, apartment building, and warehouse for security footage. We also file immediate requests with the city for any publicly owned cameras, including LAPD and LADOT ATSAC (Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control) cameras.
• Traffic Signal Timing: We request official signal-phasing and timing records from the LADOT for the exact time of the crash.
• 911 and Dispatch Audio: We obtain recordings of all 911 calls and emergency dispatch communications related to the incident.
• License Plate Reader (ALPR) Data: We can subpoena data from Automated License Plate Readers on police cars, tow trucks, and fixed poles in the area to find vehicles matching the description.
• Witness Canvassing: We return to the scene to find witnesses who may not have spoken to the police, including delivery drivers, sanitation workers, or residents.
• Physical Evidence: We work to preserve the victim’s damaged clothing, shoes, and any debris left at the scene, which can contain paint chips or part numbers.

How We Identify Hit-and-Run Vehicles

Finding the drivers who fled is a top priority. Our investigators work alongside law enforcement and use civil legal tools to uncover their identities.

• Forensic Analysis: Paint chips and debris can be analyzed to identify the make, model, and year of the vehicles.
• Subpoena Power: We can issue subpoenas to body shops for repair records and to law enforcement for ALPR data.
• Public Appeals: When appropriate, we can work with the media and offer rewards for information leading to the identification of the drivers.

Medical and Financial Recovery in a Double-Strike Case

In a case with two separate impacts, the injuries are often catastrophic. A victim may have two distinct claims—one against each driver. We work to ensure you can recover for all your losses.

• Medical Bills: This includes every cost, from the initial ambulance and ER visit to hospitalization, surgeries, and future rehabilitation or long-term care.
• Wage Loss: Compensation for the income you have lost and will lose in the future if you cannot return to your job.
• Pain and Suffering: Significant compensation for the immense physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Lien Negotiation: We aggressively negotiate with health insurance companies, Medicare, and Medi-Cal to reduce the amount they are owed from your settlement, maximizing the money that goes into your pocket.

Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Double Hit-and-Run

1. Prioritize Medical Care: Your life and health come first. Go to the hospital immediately.
2. File a Police Report: Insist on a report and get the report number (known as a “DR” number). This is essential for any future claim.
3. Call an Experienced Lawyer: Do this as soon as possible. The legal and investigative clock is ticking.
4. Notify Your Auto Insurer: Report the hit-and-run to preserve your UM/UIM claim, but do not give a recorded statement.
5. Document Your Injuries: Take photos of your injuries over time and keep a journal of your pain and limitations.
6. Avoid Recorded Statements: Do not speak to any insurance adjusters without your attorney present. They are looking for reasons to deny your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make a claim if I don’t have the license plates of the cars?
Yes. This is exactly what Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is for. We would pursue a claim against your own policy.

2. What if the police say I stepped off the curb too early or late?
You can still have a strong case. California is a comparative fault state. Even if you were found partially at fault, you can still recover damages, which would be reduced by your percentage of blame.

3. What happens if one of the drivers is found later?
This is excellent news. We would then pursue a direct claim against that driver’s insurance policy while continuing to use your UM coverage for the unidentified second driver.

4. Can my family bring a claim if I passed away?
Yes. If the victim tragically passes away, their surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their own loss.

5. Will filing a claim affect my immigration status?
No. Your right to compensation is not dependent on your immigration status. Our firm protects your privacy.

6. Do I have to pay upfront fees to hire a lawyer?
No. At Walch Law, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing until and unless we win a financial recovery for you.

Get the Help and Justice You Deserve- Call Hit & Run Law Firm Walch Law Today

The tragic double hit-and-run in Downtown LA is a reminder of the vulnerability of pedestrians and the legal maze families face in the aftermath. You do not have to go through this alone. The family at Walch Law is here to provide the immediate legal protection and compassionate guidance you need. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to understand your rights and options. 1-844-999-5342

Footnotes

1. ABC7, “Woman hit by 2 cars in downtown LA, police searching for hit-and-run drivers,” abc7.com, Oct. 15, 2025. ↩