If the other driver left the scene

California treats leaving the scene as a criminal offence, separately from any question of fault for the collision itself.

The two code sections

Vehicle Code § 20001 covers leaving the scene of a collision involving injury or death — a felony in most circumstances. Section 20002 covers leaving the scene of a property-damage-only collision, a misdemeanour. You will see both numbers used as shorthand in dispatch logs.

What investigators work with

Partial plates, vehicle description and colour, debris and paint transfer at the scene, and camera footage from nearby businesses, homes and passing vehicles. Dash-camera footage from another motorist is often decisive.

If you saw any part of it, the investigating office is the right place to report what you saw — they can add it to the official report.

If the driver is never identified

Many hit-and-run investigations do not identify a driver. That does not necessarily leave you without recourse.

Uninsured motorist coverage. In California, uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage generally extends to hit-and-run collisions where the driver cannot be identified — the unidentified driver is treated as uninsured. This coverage is offered with every California auto policy and can only be declined in writing, so many people have it without realising.

The catch. UM claims for a hit-and-run usually require that you reported the collision promptly — often within 24 hours to police, and promptly to your own insurer. Delay is the most common reason these claims are denied.

Collision coverage. If you carry collision coverage, it applies to vehicle damage regardless of whether the other driver is found, subject to your deductible.

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General information about California law, not legal advice. Coverage depends on your specific policy terms.