When Results Matter
Hit & Run Accident Lawyer in Newport Beach
100+ Years of Personal Injury Experience, No Upfront Cost
When another driver causes a crash and disappears, victims are left with injuries, mounting bills, and no clear path to the person responsible. At Manning Law, APC, our attorneys handle hit-and-run accident claims as part of a personal injury practice built on more than 100 combined years of experience. We’re already positioned for the insurance route these cases most often require, and we work on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no upfront cost to get started.
If you’ve been hurt in a hit-and-run accident in Newport Beach, call Manning Law, APC today at (800) 783-5006 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
What California Law Requires After a Crash
California Vehicle Code 20001 makes it a crime to leave the scene of an accident that injures or kills another person. Vehicle Code 20002 covers accidents involving only property damage. Either way, every driver is legally required to stop, exchange information, and render reasonable assistance. Failing to do so when someone is hurt is a wobbler offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances.
The criminal case and your civil claim run on separate tracks. You don’t need to wait for a criminal conviction, or even an arrest, before pursuing compensation for your injuries. The two proceedings are independent.
Recovering Compensation When the Driver Isn’t Found
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is the primary recovery tool in many hit-and-run cases. It compensates victims for injuries caused by a driver who has no liability insurance or who fled without being identified. California law requires insurers to offer UM and underinsured motorist coverage with every auto policy, though a policyholder may decline it in writing. If you kept that coverage, it may be key to recovering your damages even when the fleeing driver is never identified.
Even when a hit-and-run driver is eventually located, their policy may carry only the state minimum. California’s minimum liability limits increased to $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage effective January 1, 2025, under Senate Bill 1107. Those limits often fall short of what serious injuries actually cost. Underinsured motorist coverage can help bridge that gap.
Newport Beach Roads Where Hit-and-Run Risk Is Elevated
Newport Beach recorded 494 crashes resulting in deaths or injuries in 2023, according to California Office of Traffic Safety data. Of those, 71 involved drunk drivers and 149 involved speeding. Drivers who cause a crash while intoxicated or driving recklessly may have an incentive to leave before law enforcement arrives.
Pacific Coast Highway near Crystal Cove and Newport Coast Drive presents complex merges and limited sight lines that make it a frequent crash site. Balboa Boulevard and the beach-adjacent streets mix tourist foot traffic, cyclists, golf carts, and scooters into vehicle traffic, creating conditions where collisions happen quickly and drivers sometimes flee. Knowing these corridors matters when reconstructing what happened.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
What you do in the minutes and hours after the crash can affect your ability to recover compensation. Prioritize your safety and get medical care promptly, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries don’t surface until hours or days later.
At the scene, take these steps if you’re able:
- Document everything. Photos or video of the scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions can support your claim.
- Record vehicle details. Color, make, model, and any portion of the license plate you can recall.
- Collect witness information. Get contact details before witnesses leave.
- File a police report. A report is typically required to support a later uninsured motorist claim with your insurer.
- Notify your insurer promptly. Provide factual details about what happened without speculating about fault.
Filing Deadlines for Newport Beach Hit-and-Run Claims
California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 sets a two-year deadline from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. That window can shift in certain situations. If the injured party was a minor at the time of the crash, California law generally pauses the deadline until they turn 18. Other tolling provisions may apply in limited circumstances, so it’s worth having an attorney review your specific timeline.
One deadline that catches many victims off guard: if a government vehicle or employee caused the accident, California Government Code section 911.2 requires a government tort claim within six months. Missing that deadline may bar your claim. Consulting an attorney early can help protect your options.
Why Newport Beach Victims Work with Manning Law, APC
Our attorneys concentrate their practice on personal injury law, which means hit-and-run claims aren’t an occasional matter here. Our team brings more than 100 combined years of experience navigating the insurance negotiations and litigation these cases require. We’re seasoned negotiators, and we’re prepared to take a case to court when a fair settlement isn’t on the table.
We serve clients in English, Spanish, Farsi, and French, removing language as a barrier to legal help. And because we work on a contingency fee basis, we’re only paid if your case is successful.
Start with a Free Consultation
After a hit-and-run accident, the questions come fast: who pays, how much, and what happens if the driver is never found? Our attorneys can evaluate your coverage, review the circumstances of your crash, and explain your options before you commit to anything. There’s no fee to speak with us and no cost unless we recover for you.
Call Manning Law, APC at (800) 783-5006 to schedule your free consultation today.
Manning Law FAQ
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What Damages Can I Receive Compensation For?When your injury is caused by the actions or negligence of another person, you can take legal action to recover costs resulting from your injury. We represent clients seeking damages for the following:
Past and future medical bills:
Oftentimes medical bills can extend far beyond the individual's initial accident. The victim may require extended hospital stays, operations, and even regular checkups during their recovery process. If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, we will fight to ensure that you receive compensation for these expenses.Rehabilitation:
For injuries resulting in long-term side effects, it is important for the victim to be able to focus on their recovery and rehabilitation, rather than worrying about how they will pay for their recovery process.Lost income:
Most serious accidents will be accompanied by significant amount of time off of work. If someone else's negligence has rendered you unable to work, they should be held responsible for your loss of income during that time.Mental anguish:
Mental anguish can include various forms of depression and anxiety that someone may experience as a result of their accident, or even the loss of someone close to them.Physical pain and suffering:
This type of compensation can be pursued in regards to the physical injuries a victim has experienced and the pain and suffering that those injuries have caused them.General inconvenience
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How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?Under California’s personal injury statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a civil lawsuit in court against the responsible party. If the at-fault party is a government agency, you have an even tighter deadline of six months. If you do not seek legal action within this timeframe, the court will likely refuse to hear your case at any time to the future and you will lose your right to seek compensation. These deadlines can sometimes be extended under specific circumstances, such as if the injured party is a minor, the injury or the cause of the injury was not immediately apparent, or the injured individual suffers mental or physical incapacitation due to the injury. Regardless, if you are unsure how the statute of limitations applies to your case, it is important that you get an attorney involved promptly to guard your legal rights.
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If I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer, Will I Have to Go to Court?While going to court is certainly a possibility, many personal injury claims are settled out of court through negotiations between your attorney and the responsible party’s insurance company. A trial may only be necessary if these negotiations should fail, such as in circumstances where fault is disputed or if there is a disagreement over the value of your claim. Our attorneys prepare each case as if it were going to trial to give us the best positioning possible during settlement negotiations.
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How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?Your case could take several months or even years to settle depending on the situation. The timeline of your case will vary depending on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the amount of medical treatment you need, complications of liability, and the level of cooperation of the responsible party’s insurance company.
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How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?Your case’s value will be based on factors such as the severity and long-term impact of your injuries, the amount of medical treatment you need, the strength of evidence proving the other party’s liability, and the amount of insurance coverage available in your case. It is best to discuss your case with a skilled attorney to get a more accurate picture of your case’s potential value.
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How Much Does It Cost to Hire Manning Law, APC?Manning Law, APC accepts all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no up-front costs for you. We only get paid if we are successful in your case.
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How Do I Know Manning Law, Apc Is Right for My Case?Manning Law, APC offers free consultations, works on contingency, and has recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of past clients. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, we have what it takes to maximize your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
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“I can't say enough good things about Manning Law!”
“After my car accident, I was really stressed and didn't know where to start. From the first call, they made me feel like I was in good hands. They took care of everything and made the whole process easy for me.”- Former Client -
“Exceedingly helpful and kind.”
“This firm was amazing. Everyone I worked with was exceedingly helpful and kind. Great customer service and they get the job done.”- Lindsey M. -
“I would give Manning Law 10 stars if Yelp allowed. I highly recommend them!”
“Joe Manning handled my case and I could not have been happier with the outcome. I had numerous doctor appointments and treatments during the 1st year following my injury and Mr. Manning's senior paralegal Julia took care me like I was family. She made my d”- Carsten B. -
“Heartily recommend his office!”
“Found Mr. Manning via the internet and have been thankful ever since. Not only did the collectors stop calling me but they also got in trouble for the way they harassed me.”- M.W. -
“Thank you for your hard work!”
“Once I hired your firm we were able to stop the collectors' harrasement of my family. You then investigated and found the collector harassing us had a history of illegal collections tactics.”- D.H. -
“Nothing but a great experience with this law firm”
“I felt well taken care of, there was excellent communication, and great service overall. I had expected my case to take some time but it was settled in less than 5 months and am very happy with the outcome!!”- Lindsay C. -
“They were attentive, involved, and kept me informed.”
“I have used the Manning Law Firm on two occasions and both were successful for me.The entire office supported me in any questions or requests I had. I can highly recommend them and would use them again at any time. Winning is good!”- Ron H. -
“They don’t stop fighting.”
“My attorney, Bobby Hashemi, was compassionate, understanding, supportive, and able to effectively communicate and explain the whole legal process so you don’t feel left out without understanding what’s going on.”- Jean H.
