Legally Reviewed by Tom Willford on November 5, 2026
When a driver hits you and leaves the scene, you can be left with injuries, a damaged vehicle, and no one to hold accountable. If you were hurt in a hit and run in Santa Ana, you may feel alone and unsure of what to do next.
Attorney Tom Willford has spent 35 years litigating cases in state and federal courts. His firm takes on difficult cases that many other attorneys will not.
Even when the other driver is gone, you may still have options. We work to find them.
Time-Sensitive: Act Quickly After a Hit and Run
In most California hit and run injury cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit.
Insurance policies can require prompt reporting, and a government vehicle can bring a six month claim deadline. Tom Willford has represented injured clients for 35 years. Reach out early so your deadline is not missed.
A hit and run happens when a driver leaves the scene of a crash without stopping to share information or help. In a busy area like Santa Ana, these crashes can involve cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
Learn more about our motor vehicle collision practice.
Hit and run crashes can cause serious injuries, including:
Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are especially vulnerable. See a doctor promptly, even if you feel okay.
Hit and run claims are different from typical crashes. You need a lawyer who understands:
Tom Willford has litigated complex cases in state and federal courts for 35 years, and he is prepared to take a difficult case to trial when needed.
Responsibility depends on the facts. Depending on the situation, it may involve:
We investigate the details to identify every available source of recovery.
Depending on your case, you may be able to seek damages for:
Every case is different, and no result can be promised. We evaluate your claim based on real evidence and your insurance options.
To protect your health and your legal rights:
California generally gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, and acting quickly helps protect your case.
We use facts and evidence to support your claim, which may include:
We build a clear case that shows how the crash happened and how it has changed your life.
Insurance claims after a hit and run can be hard to navigate, especially when the other driver is not identified. You should have an attorney who knows how to respond.
Tom Willford handles negotiations and pushes for a fair outcome. If a fair resolution is not offered, we are prepared to take the case to court.
When the other driver is gone, you still deserve answers. We treat these cases seriously.
California requires drivers involved in a crash to stop and share information, and leaving the scene can have legal consequences. For injured people, the key questions are often who can be identified and what insurance is available. California also follows a pure comparative negligence rule, so a person who shares some fault may still recover compensation, although the award can be reduced by that share.
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, and a written claim generally must be presented within six months if a public agency is involved. Learn more about motor vehicle collisions and government claims, or contact Willford Law Corporation to protect your deadline.
Call us now to discuss your case. At Willford Law Corporation, our clients come first. We know how to navigate the complicated legal system, have represented thousands of clients, and we can help you too.
