[02-06-2022] Stanislaus County, CA – Two Passengers Killed After a Fatal Crash Involving a Hit-and-Run Driver in Modesto

Two unidentified men were killed following a deadly crash on the west side of Modesto on early Sunday morning, February 6, 2022.

The deadly accident happened at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Highway 132, just east of the San Joaquin River.

The two victims were riding a 2011 GMC pickup truck when the driver went off the north edge of the road and crashed into several trees before stopping.

The driver of the 2011 GMC then fled the scene on foot and abandoned the two passengers. Unfortunately, the two men left inside the pickup truck were killed in the crash.

Authorities suspect that the suspect may have been able to hitch a ride from a passing motorist and managed to escape the scene.

Local authorities are currently pursuing the hit-and-run driver. Witnesses that can give more information about the crash are asked to call CHP Officers Norseen or Mitchell at 209-545-7440.

Anonymous tipsters are welcome to call Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636 or www.stancrimetips.org.

Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash Statistics

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the accident, all drivers are required by law to remain at the scene and wait for local authorities to arrive. Leaving the scene following an accident is a crime in itself.

From 2010 through 2016, hit-and-runs increased year after year before dropping by 3% in 2017. Over the decade, there were 16,936 deadly hit-and-runs, according to ValuePenguin.

During this period, California had the highest number of deadly hit-and-runs. The number of crashes in the Golden State accounted for 17% of all crashes in the United States, with 2,948 crashes resulting in 3,056 deaths.

If a motorist bumps or hits an unattended parked car in California, the driver must leave their name and contact information for the driver of the damaged vehicle. It is prohibited to drive away after causing damage to someone else’s property to avoid detection. This misdemeanor carries a maximum punishment of up to six months in prison and a $1,000 fine.

Additional penalties may include three years of probation, payment for the damaged property, and two points assessed against the guilty driver’s California driver’s license. You should contact a hit-and-run victim attorney as soon as possible for more information on how these points can pile up.

Fatal Car Accident Lawyers for Victims in Stanislaus County

The victim’s family is encouraged to file a wrongful death claim with the assistance of an attorney following a deadly accident. The victim’s family can seek compensation for the damages (such as loss of income and companionship, burial costs, pain and suffering, and emotional anguish) caused by the fatal accident through a wrongful death claim.

Every automobile accident is difficult to deal with. Still, things get even more difficult when you add the additional element of being abandoned at the site by a hit-and-run motorist.

While it is understandable to feel confused amid such an accident, retaining expert legal advice is likely to be important to the success of your claim.

Arash Law’s skilled Stanislaus County car crash attorneys are dedicated to assisting you in recovering from the losses you’ve endured. Our experienced legal team has spent decades fighting for the rights of accident victims just like you. We’re here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so please don’t hesitate to call our office at (888) 488-1391 today to speak with a hit-and-run lawyer about your accident.