[05-11-2024] San Bernardino County, CA – 40-Year-Old Man Killed After Being Struck By Hit-And-Run Vehicle Involving DUI in Barstow

A 40-year-old man was killed after being struck by a hit-and-run vehicle involving a DUI in Barstow on Saturday evening, May 11, 2024.

According to the Barstow Police Department, the collision happened around 10:45 p.m. near the 1900 block of  Sunrise Road, along East Main Street.

Authorities stated that the driver of a pickup truck was allegedly high on drugs when he struck multiple vehicles in the 1900 block of Sunrise Road and sped away, going northbound on Montara Road at high speed.

Afterward, the suspect lost control of his vehicle and drifted off the roadway. His pickup truck then crashed into a 40-year-old pedestrian before it came to rest on the railroad tracks. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. It is unclear if there are any other people injured following the vehicle collisions.

Police identified the suspect as 58-year-old Clifford G. and arrested him for vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. The driver was also determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance.

No further information was released. The investigation into the collision continues.

Speak To Our Reputable Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys In Barstow, 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 Barstow 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 reliable Barstow hit-and-run accident attorneys 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. You can rest easy knowing that you are working with the best.

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 Barstow 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

ValuePenguin’s study shows that 2,783 reported hit-and-run accidents were fatal in 2021. That is up by a whopping 89.4% from the same metric recorded back in 2012 (1,469). Furthermore, the percentage of fatal crashes that involved hit-and-runs also surged in this period. In 2021, 7% of fatal crashes are a result of hit-and-runs, which is 48.7% higher than the 2012 record (4.7%).

According to the latest California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) report, Barstow recorded 9 fatalities and injuries involving hit-and-runs in 2021.