As soon as possible. Some surveillance systems overwrite footage within days, so waiting can make key evidence harder or impossible to recover.

A partial plate can still help, especially when combined with vehicle color, make, model, direction of travel, location, time, cameras, and witness statements.

A police report is often important after a hit-and-run because it documents that the other driver left and may be required for insurance or DMV reporting.

Useful evidence can include photos, video footage, witness information, vehicle debris, paint transfer, police reports, medical records, and insurance communications.

It may. Depending on your policy, uninsured motorist, collision, medical payments, or other coverage may apply after a hit-and-run.

Get to safety, call 911 if anyone is hurt, write down what you remember, take photos, look for witnesses, and identify nearby cameras quickly.

Generally yes. When the at-fault driver cannot be identified, your own UM coverage is often the only realistic source of compensation for your injuries.

No — but insurers are required to offer it, and you must reject it in writing. Given how many Southern California drivers carry no insurance or bare minimums, declining it leaves you unprotected in the most common worst-case scenario.