[02-18-2025] Riverside County, CA – Pedestrian Killed in Lake Elsinore Hit-And-Run Crash

A pedestrian was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver in Lake Elsinore early Tuesday morning, February 18, 2025.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to reports of a severe collision involving a pedestrian near Riverside Drive and Baker Street at approximately 12:57 a.m.

Upon arrival, officers found the pedestrian lying in the roadway and pronounced them dead at the scene.

The driver of the involved vehicle fled the area in a dark-colored vehicle.

Authorities urge anyone with information about the fatal hit-and-run to contact Deputy Keyser at (951) 245-3000 or dispatch at (951) 776-1099.

Experienced Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers in Lake Elsinore, CA

Losing a loved one in a hit-and-run accident is a heartbreaking experience, especially when the responsible party flees the scene. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or loss due to a hit-and-run, our dedicated personal injury attorneys are here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our award-winning legal team offers free, no-obligation consultations to evaluate your case. During this consultation, we will review your situation, explain your legal rights, outline the claims process, and discuss key factors that may affect your potential compensation.

At Arash Law, our top-rated Lake Elsinore hit-and-run accident attorneys provide expert legal representation for insurance claims and litigation. As one of California’s most successful personal injury law firms, we have recovered over $500 million for accident victims and their families.

Take the first step toward justice—call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form today.

What To Do After A Hit-And-Run Accident In Lake Elsinore, CA

If you are able to take action after a hit-and-run accident, it is crucial to protect your health and your right to compensation. Following these steps can also help law enforcement identify the at-fault driver:

1. Gather Information — If you can, write down the make, model, color, and license plate number of the car that hit you. Take pictures of the vehicle and the accident scene if possible. This information can help identify the driver.
2. Inform The Authorities — Get in touch with the police immediately. They will make an official record of the crash, which can bolster your claim later on. You can ask the California DMV or the police agency for the report later on.
3. Obtain Witness Information — Get the names and contact details of any witnesses, if any. Their testimonies can verify your version of the incident.
4. Seek Medical Care Right Away — See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Some injuries do not show up straight away. Medical records are also crucial in proving your injuries when filing a legal claim.
5. Inform Your Insurance Provider — Report the crash to your insurer, but don’t take responsibility for the accident. Refrain from accepting any settlement offers, signing anything, or giving a recorded statement without legal counsel.
6. Talk To Our Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys — Call (888) 488-1391 to speak with our knowledgeable attorneys in a free initial consultation. We will examine your case, deal with insurance providers, and assist you in submitting a personal injury claim. We are available to help you at every stage of the legal process.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Hit-And-Run Accident Statistics

A report from ValuePenguin shows a sharp increase in deadly hit-and-run crashes between 2012 and 2021, vastly outpacing the overall rise in fatal crashes during that same period.

In 2021, 2,783 fatal crashes involving hit-and-runs were reported—an 89.4% increase from the 1,469 incidents recorded in 2012. In contrast, the total number of fatal crashes of all types only rose by 27.4% over the same span.

California has the highest percentage of fatal hit-and-runs nationwide, with 10.1% of its fatal accidents involving hit-and-runs. Pedestrians are most often the victims, accounting for more than 60% of these cases. From 2012 to 2021, 62.8% of fatal hit-and-run crashes involved pedestrians, and pedestrian deaths increased by 53.7% during this period.

Hit-and-runs were more likely to occur at night, with 9.5% of fatal nighttime crashes between 2012 and 2021 involving hit-and-runs, compared to just 2.7% during the daytime. Over this period, 77.3% of all deadly hit-and-runs occurred at night.