A man died after being hit by a vehicle that fled the scene in Lake County on Friday night, April 14, 2023.
According to the report, the incident occurred around 11:40 p.m. on Highway 53 between Jessie Street and Dam Road near Clearlake.
Local authorities are investigating the death of the pedestrian that seemed to have been struck by a vehicle. There is no available information on the driver involved.
Clearlake Police Department issued a Nixle at 11:55 p.m. requesting people to avoid that highway area due to the crash. Northbound lanes were temporarily blocked.
The investigation is ongoing.
Reliable Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers in Lake County
Hit-and-run accidents are a severe problem on California’s roads. In these incidents, drivers flee the accident scene without stopping to help the injured parties. Victims of hit-and-run accidents may suffer severe physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses due to the accident.
Suppose you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed due to the carelessness of another in a hit-and-run accident. In that case, it is essential to seek legal representation immediately. Our highly regarded attorneys have extensive experience representing victims of hit-and-run accidents in California and can help you navigate the complex legal process of pursuing compensation.
You can rely on our most reliable Lake County hit-and-run accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $750 million for California clients.
If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.
What to Do After Hit-and-Run Accident
If you are in an accident with a driver who leaves the scene, there are several actions you can take to safeguard your chances of receiving a settlement. In addition, these measures can assist authorities in apprehending the driver and supporting your compensation claim. These measures include:
- Gather as much information as you can while still at the accident site. Depending on your physical condition, you can obtain the vehicle’s license plate number, make, model, and color.
- As soon as possible, notify the police, depending on your physical condition. The faster you report the accident to the authorities, the sooner they can take action to capture the driver. Additionally, calling the police creates an official record of the accident.
- Make a note of the names and contact information of any witnesses present. Remember that people who witness an accident may remain at the scene to inquire about your well-being but may depart promptly after the arrival of the police and ambulance.
- It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention for your safety and well-being. You should see a doctor as soon as possible and undergo a thorough examination for any injuries sustained in the accident.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident immediately, but provide only factual information.
Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics
Leaving the scene of an accident without offering aid to the injured and notifying authorities is illegal in the United States. Drivers who cause accidents and flee the scene can face criminal penalties, including incarceration.
In 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 737,100 hit-and-run accidents in the country, indicating that a hit-and-run occurred every 43 seconds. Hit-and-run fatalities reached a record high of 2,049 in 2016.
Between 2010 and 2019, at least 3,056 individuals died in 2,948 hit-and-run accidents in California. Compared to other states in the United States, California has a considerably higher fatality rate for accidents of this nature.