A passenger was killed, and a driver was injured following a two-vehicle collision involving a hit-and-run driver in Monterey County on Wednesday morning, May 22, 2024.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision happened around 6:17 a.m. on Alisal Road north of Hartnell Road.
Authorities stated that a Nissan Altima was traveling south on Alisal Road and slowing down to make a left turn into an agricultural field. Meanwhile, a white 2001 GMC Yukon was going in the same direction and approached the Nissan’s back.
The GMC driver moved to the northbound lane and tried to pass the Nissan. At that time, Nissan started making a left turn into an agricultural field. The GMC driver then ended up colliding with the Nissan’s left rear.
The Nissan vehicle came to rest at the east of the road, and the GMC driver fled the scene before the authorities arrived.
Police said that the driver of Nissan, identified as a 68-year-old Salinas man, suffered serious head injuries and was transported to Natividad Medical Center. His 67-year-old passenger, identified as Maria Elena Chavez D., was pronounced dead at the scene.
The hit-and-run driver has yet to be identified. It is still unclear whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the collision.
No further information was released. Investigations are ongoing.
Speak To Our Renowned Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers In Monterey County
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 Monterey County 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 renowned Monterey County 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 Monterey County 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:
- Gather As Much Information As You Can While At The Scene Of The Accident. Try to get the license plate number of the car that struck you or your vehicle, as well as its brand, model, and color. If you can, try taking a few pictures of the involved car. All these can help quickly identify and subsequently find the vehicle involved in your case.
- 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.
- 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. Witnesses can have a significant impact in such cases. For instance, a witness could confirm that the other vehicle crashed into your car and not the other way around.
- Seek Prompt Medical Care. For your own sake, you should see a doctor as soon as you can and get checked for any injuries. It’s crucial to follow the treatment plan your doctor has recommended as you advance toward full recovery. Moreover, when you visit a doctor, thorough documentation of your injuries is generated, which is then useful for submitting a claim.
- 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. Remember, 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.
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, Monterey County recorded 190 fatalities and injuries involving hit-and-runs in 2021.