Hit by a car while walking or biking in LA, and the driver left

People on foot and on bikes are the most likely to be badly hurt in a hit-and-run, and often assume that because they were not in a car, no insurance applies. Several sources can apply, alone or together.

Uninsured motorist coverage, even with no car involved

If you, or a relative you live with, has an auto policy with uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, it often covers you as a pedestrian or cyclist struck by an unidentified driver. The same strict conditions apply: physical contact with the vehicle, a police report within 24 hours, and a sworn statement to the insurer within 30 days (Insurance Code 11580.2).

Medical payments coverage

"Med-pay" on an auto policy pays medical bills up to a set amount regardless of fault, and some policies extend it to the policyholder as a pedestrian. Check the declarations page.

Health insurance and Medi-Cal

Use your health coverage for treatment. Your plan may ask to be repaid if you later recover money for the same bills, but that is handled at the end. If you have no coverage, ask the hospital about financial assistance and Medi-Cal eligibility. Some doctors also treat injury patients on a lien, paid from any recovery; LawyersTrend keeps a directory of doctors on lien. Treat a lien as a real debt and ask about charges in advance.

The California Victim Compensation Board

A hit-and-run that injures someone is a crime, which can make the victim eligible for help from the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB). CalVCB can help pay certain expenses, such as medical and mental health treatment and lost income, when other sources do not cover them. It is a payer of last resort, so insurance usually pays first. Applications are generally due within seven years of the crime, with exceptions, and reporting the crime to police is normally required.

Other responsible parties

Sometimes the driver is not the only one responsible. A dangerous intersection design, a broken signal or poor lighting may point to a public agency; those claims have a six-month deadline (Government Code 911.2). If the vehicle is later identified as a company vehicle, the employer may be responsible.

Report it, even days later

If you were taken from the scene by ambulance and no report was made, call LAPD (or the CHP or Sheriff, depending on the location) as soon as you can. The 24-hour UM rule is strict, and a late report is still better than none for the criminal investigation and for CalVCB.

Bike-specific evidence

• Keep the bike, helmet and any damaged gear as they are. Do not repair them yet.
• Save ride data from GPS apps or bike computers; it can show your speed, route and the exact time.
• Check for helmet or handlebar camera footage, and ask other riders on group rides.