A 37-year-old male pedestrian was killed after a hit-and-run collision in Mead Valley, Riverside County, on Monday morning, April 8, 2024.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal crash was reported at about 7:42 a.m. at the 22675 block of Cajalco Road, west of Interstate 215.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the pedestrian was hit between the hours of 3:15 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. CHP identified the victim as a 37-year-old man from Perris. His identity was not released pending notification of next of kin.
The vehicle that collided with the victim fled the scene on Cajalco Road immediately after the incident. The driver did not stop to help or call the authorities.
It is still unclear what the victim was doing prior to the incident. There is also no description released yet pertaining to the suspect and the involved vehicle.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the authorities immediately. Investigations are underway.
Award-Winning Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers in Riverside County
If you or someone you care about was injured in a hit-and-run accident in Riverside County, you have the option to either file a legal case or make an insurance claim. Our injury law firm in Riverside County is here to help you with just that! Consult with our lawyers, who specialize in hit-and-run accidents under the supervision of Arash Khorsandi, Esq.
Get a complimentary first meeting with our legal experts. We will evaluate your case, suggest the necessary actions, and analyze the critical elements that may affect the settlement offer you could receive. Additionally, our lawyers can assist you if obtaining further information or a police report proves challenging.
Our well-known Riverside County hit-and-run accident attorneys, with expertise in instances involving pedestrians, will advocate for your rights and skillfully represent you in any required legal proceedings. Our legal practice has obtained over $500 million in compensation for clients in California.
To contact one of our personal injury attorneys, please dial (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.
Actions To Take Following a Riverside County Hit-and-Run Accident
There are specific measures you can take to safeguard your rights to obtain compensation following an unfortunate hit-and-run accident. Not only can they help authorities apprehend the driver, but they can also support your claim for proper compensation. These actions include:
- Gather as much information as you can while at the scene of the accident. Based on your situation, you can obtain the license plate number of the car as well as the vehicle’s brand, model, and color. If you are unable to take note of this information, you should try taking a few pictures of the car (maybe using your cell phone).
- Contact the authorities as soon as you can. The sooner you notify the police about the collision, the quicker they can take action to apprehend the motorist. Moreover, when you contact the police, you create an official record of the incident. In a few days, you can request a collision report from either the police station that handled it or through the California DMV. This document will help you when you file a claim at a later date.
- Obtain the names and contact information of any individuals who may have witnessed the incident. It’s important to remember that people who see an accident might stay to make sure you’re okay, but after the police and ambulance arrive, they might depart immediately. It’s crucial to obtain their names and phone numbers promptly. Observers might have a significant impact. For instance, a witness could confirm that another vehicle crashed into your car.
- Seek prompt medical care. For your own sake, you should see a doctor as soon as you can and get checked for any injuries. Moreover, when you visit a doctor, thorough documentation of your injuries is generated. Lastly, it’s crucial to follow the treatment plan your doctor has recommended as you advance toward full recovery.
- Notify your insurance carrier about the accident. While it is important to do this task quickly, it is also essential to ensure that you only focus on the facts. You are not required to acknowledge or assign any blame. In addition, it is advisable to refrain from providing a recorded statement or agreeing to a settlement until you have consulted with lawyers specializing in hit-and-run accidents in California.
Hit-And-Run Accident Statistics
About 737,100 accidents involving hit-and-run drivers were reported in 2015, according to the NHTSA. This equates to roughly one hit-and-run accident occurring every 43 seconds in the United States. The record number of people killed in hit-and-run accidents occurred in 2016, with 2,049.
Moreover, according to a report, from 2010 to 2019, 3,056 people in California lost their lives due to 2,948 recorded deadly hit-and-run collisions. This shows California still has one of the highest fatality rates concerning hit-and-runs in the country, among other states.