[04-16-2024] San Diego County, CA – One Person Seriously Injured Following Hit-And-Run Crash in El Cajon

One person was seriously injured following a hit-and-run crash in El Cajon on Tuesday night, April 16, 2024.

According to the El Cajon Police Department, the traffic accident happened at about 10:20 p.m. in the 400 block of West Washington Avenue.

Police said that the victim was already in a separate two-vehicle accident before the hit-and-run actually took place. The victim was one of the drivers of the cars involved in the initial collision and was taking pictures of the damage when an eastbound pickup truck suddenly struck him.

The victim sustained serious injuries following the second incident and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. It is still unclear if he was already injured due to the first accident he was involved in.

Meanwhile, the driver of the pickup fled the scene and has not been located yet. Witnesses told the police that the suspect vehicle was light-colored, possibly white or gray, with observable damage on the passenger side, particularly a missing side mirror.

Further details were not immediately available. Anyone with information regarding the collision is encouraged to contact the police.

Trustworthy Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers in El Cajon, CA

If you or someone you care about was injured in a hit-and-run accident around the area, you have the option to either file a legal case or make an insurance claim. Our injury law firm in El Cajon is here to help you! 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 trustworthy El Cajon 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 $750 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 an El Cajon 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:

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

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.