[01-29-2023] San Diego County, CA – Driver Arrested After Hit-And-Run Crash Injured One Person Near Naval Base San Diego

One driver sustained injuries, and another was arrested after a hit-and-run crash in San Diego early Sunday morning, January 29, 2023.

Reports confirmed that the collision occurred around 2:00 a.m. close to Naval Base San Diego.

According to authorities, the male victim was traveling southbound on Interstate 5 in a Lincoln SUV when he allegedly was struck by the male driver of a Mazda.

Both cars exited the highway, with the Lincoln obstructing the Main Street on-ramp close to the Yama Street gate of the base. As the Mazda descended a steep embankment, crossed a wide storm channel, and turned over, it halted against the fence.

The Mazda driver kicked out the back window and ran off on foot.

While base personnel began looking for the driver in the area, the victim was taken to a nearby hospital to be examined for injuries by medical personnel.

While responders cleaned up, towed the cars, and investigated, the ramp was closed for more than three hours.

Base authorities located the Mazda’s driver and contacted officers, who detained him on suspicion of DUI.

Hit-And-Run Crash Statistics

Approximately 680,000 people are injured or killed in hit-and-run accidents in the US each year, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Recent statistics show a rise in fatalities brought on by hit-and-runs. In 2020, these collision-related fatalities made up 24% of all pedestrian fatalities.

Studies show that compared to other states, California has the highest pedestrian fatalities and injuries rate. In California, 893 pedestrians died, and close to 14,000 were injured in 2012.

When a car collides with another one but does not stop to offer assistance, the collision is called a hit-and-run. Hit-and-run accidents can worsen outcomes and cause more suffering because victims typically postpone or refuse medical treatment for their injuries.

Automobiles that fail to yield to pedestrians or brake suddenly often result in a pedestrian’s death or injury.

To be safe, pedestrians should use the sidewalk whenever possible, abstain from alcohol and drug use while walking, and proceed with caution when crossing driveways and parking lots.

How to Obtain a Police Report After an Accident in California

A driver in California must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within ten (10) days of an accident if there are injuries or fatalities or if there is $1,000 or more in property damage. Drivers must inform the California Highway Patrol or the responding police department of crashes that result in injuries or fatalities within 24 hours, per California Vehicle Code Section 20008.

There are two ways for people to submit their DMV and California Highway Patrol reports:

It is usually necessary to call the police when an accident occurs. The police will give you a report, investigate, and submit the report to the DMV and CHP on your behalf.

You can submit the report on your own to the CHP and DMV. When this occurs, you should complete the forms and mail them to the appropriate offices as soon as possible.

Trusted Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers in San Diego

Accident victims who have experienced trauma may need a lot of time and effort to recover. They might be forced to pay a hefty sum for medical care, and they might even lose their ability to work.

Those who have been hurt in a hit-and-run accident should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Even if the drivers are never located, they can still be held accountable.

Our firm is committed to handling each case carefully and diligently. Our goal is to hold reckless drivers responsible at all costs.

Our hit-and-run accident attorneys in San Diego have a proven track record of providing excellent assistance to victims of hit-and-run accidents. Working on a contingency fee basis, we are committed to protecting your right to the compensation you are due.

To schedule a consultation with our legal team, contact us at (888) 488-1391 or use our website’s “Do I Have A Case?” form.