[04-24-2025] Santa Barbara County, CA – Pedestrian Seriously Injured in Hit-And-Run on Highway 101 On-ramp at Broadway in Santa Maria

A pedestrian sustained major injuries in a hit-and-run crash in Santa Maria on Thursday morning, April 24, 2025.

According to police, the collision occurred around 9:10 a.m. on the northbound Highway 101 on-ramp at Broadway.

A dash camera from a nearby vehicle captured the incident, aiding officers in identifying the suspect vehicle.

Later that evening, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Santa Maria police located the vehicle near Broadway and Cook Street and made contact with the driver. Ricardo A., 41, of San Luis Obispo, was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run causing injury.

The pedestrian is expected to recover from his injuries. The investigation remains ongoing.

Speak To Our Trusted Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys In Santa Maria, CA

When a driver flees the scene after causing harm, the aftermath can leave victims feeling powerless and uncertain about what to do next. If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you deserve a team that will fight for your rights and help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Our experienced Santa Maria hit-and-run accident lawyers are ready to stand by your side.

At Arash Law, we are committed to helping victims navigate the legal system with confidence. From the moment you reach out to us, we will begin gathering the evidence needed to strengthen your case, handling communications with insurance companies, and preparing for trial if necessary. Our goal is to secure the maximum recovery possible while you focus on healing.

Having recovered more than $750 million for injured clients across California, Arash Law has built a strong reputation for getting results when it matters most.

Call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you move forward after a hit-and-run accident.

What To Do After Getting Injured In A Hit-And-Run Accident

A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling helpless, but taking immediate action can protect your health and legal rights. If you’re able, follow these steps to strengthen your claim and assist authorities in identifying the fleeing driver.

1. Collect Information — If possible, 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. This information can help identify the driver.
2. Notify The Authorities — Call the police immediately. They will make an official record of the accident, 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 — 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 Company — 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. Contact Our Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys — Call (888) 488-1391 to talk to our knowledgeable attorneys for 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

Hit-And-Run Accident Statistics

According to ValuePenguin, fatal hit-and-run crashes sharply increased between 2012 and 2021, outpacing the overall growth in fatal traffic accidents during the same timeframe.

In 2021, there were 2,783 fatal hit-and-run crashes, representing an 89.4 percent increase compared to 1,469 incidents reported in 2012. In contrast, the total number of deadly crashes across all categories rose by only 27.4 percent during that period.

California recorded the highest proportion of fatal hit-and-run incidents nationwide, with 10.1 percent of its fatal crashes involving fleeing drivers. Pedestrians were the most frequent victims, making up over 60 percent of these cases. Between 2012 and 2021, 62.8 percent of fatal hit-and-run accidents involved pedestrians, and pedestrian fatalities rose by 53.7 percent.

Hit-and-run accidents were also more likely to happen at night. Between 2012 and 2021, 9.5 percent of fatal nighttime crashes involved hit-and-runs, compared to only 2.7 percent of daytime crashes. Overall, 77.3 percent of deadly hit-and-run incidents occurred during nighttime hours.