[05-08-2023] Contra Costa County, CA – Reckless Hit-and-Run Driver Crashes Car with Infant While Evading Police on I-80 in Hercules

A 1-year-old infant is possibly injured in a hit-and-run collision in Hercules on Monday morning, May 8, 2023.

According to local authorities, the incident occurred at 8:36 a.m. at the Home Depot store on Sycamore Avenue.

As per the report, a woman driving a Mercedes, wearing glasses and hair in a ponytail, evaded them after trying to buy more than $1,000 worth of merchandise with counterfeit money at a Home Depot store.

The police stopped chasing a woman because she was driving recklessly. However, she still ended up crashing into a car on Interstate-80, and there was a baby in the back seat of that car. After the crash, the woman drove away, but the police have not been able to identify her.

The infant was brought to a medical professional for assessment to check for potential whiplash injuries.

The investigation is ongoing.

Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers in Hercules, Contra Costa County

In California, hit-and-run accident victims can seek damages by filing an insurance claim or going to court. The sooner you contact skilled hit-and-run attorneys in California if you have suffered serious injuries or been killed by another, the better your chances of maximizing your compensation.

During a free initial consultation, our skilled lawyers will assess your case, provide an overview of the next steps, and examine any factors that may impact the settlement offer.

You can rely on our most trusted Contra Costa 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 $500 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 a Hit-and-Run Accident

Even if the other driver in the accident fled, there are still ways to pursue financial compensation. You can aid law enforcement in identifying and catching the driver and strengthen your case if you decide to take legal action for damages. The following steps outline what to do after a hit-and-run accident:

1. Gather Accident Scene Data: Collect as much information as possible from the accident scene, including the license plate number, make, model, and color of the vehicle involved.
2. Report to the Police: Immediately report the details to the police and obtain a copy of the accident report from the police station or the California DMV.
3. Obtain Witness Information: Assemble potential witnesses’ contact information (names and numbers) and gather this information quickly.
4. Seek Medical Assistance: Do not delay seeking medical attention, even if you feel fine initially. It is important to see a doctor if you have sustained any injuries promptly.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company: Notify your private insurance company promptly about the hit-and-run accident.
6. Please consult with an Attorney: Before accepting any settlement offers from other insurance providers, it is advisable to consult with a hit-and-run accident attorney.

Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics

Fleeing the scene of an accident in the US without stopping to assist the victims or notify the authorities can result in criminal charges.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 737,100 reported hit-and-run accidents in the US in 2015, which means a hit-and-run occurs approximately every 43 seconds. Shockingly, hit-and-run accidents reached a record high in 2016, claiming the lives of 2,049 individuals.

California has experienced many hit-and-run accidents, with 2,948 incidents resulting in 3,056 fatalities between 2010 and 2019, surpassing many other states.