A male pedestrian was seriously injured following a hit-and-run collision in Santa Barbara on Tuesday afternoon, June 6, 2023.
According to the Santa Barbara Police Department, the incident occurred on the 2000 block of Bath Street at around 12:25 p.m.
Sgt. Ethan R. reported that officers responded to a local disturbance and made the suspect leave the premises. The man complied but struck a wall as he was leaving. The victim tried to help authorities by blocking the suspect’s way but was run down. The driver then fled the scene.
First responders performed life-saving procedures on the good samaritan until the AMR paramedics and the Santa Barbara Fire Department arrived. The victim was transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, where his condition is still unknown.
The suspect was successfully apprehended shortly after the incident.
Dedicated Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers in Santa Barbara
There are options available if you have been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run incident in California. You can file a claim with your insurance provider or take legal action. You must contact a qualified hit-and-run lawyer in California if you or a loved one have endured substantial injuries or damages due to another party’s negligence.
Contact our lawyers for a free consultation. Our consultation will include an assessment of your case, advice on required actions, and considering relevant factors impacting a possible settlement offer.
You can rely on our trusted Santa Barbara 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 $750 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 driver involved in the accident fled the scene, there are still avenues to pursue compensation. By taking the necessary actions, you can aid law enforcement in locating and apprehending the individuals, which could bolster your case if you choose to pursue a legal claim for damages. The following guidelines offer a framework for taking action following a hit-and-run accident:
- Ensure immediate medical attention: It is crucial not to delay seeking medical help, even if you believe you are unharmed. Prioritize seeing a doctor promptly if you have sustained significant injuries.
- Report the incident to the police: Notify the police immediately, providing them with all the relevant details. Obtain a copy of the accident report from the police station or the California DMV.
- Inform your insurance company: Promptly inform your private insurance company about the hit-and-run accident.
- Collect evidence from the accident scene: Gather as much information as possible from the accident scene, including the license plate number, make, model, and color of the involved vehicle.
- Obtain witness details: Quickly gather potential witnesses’ contact information (names and phone numbers) at the scene.
- Seek legal advice: It is advisable to consult with a hit-and-run accident lawyer before accepting any settlement offers from other insurance providers.
Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics
In the United States, leaving the scene of an accident without reporting the accident or helping victims is a criminal offense.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a hit-and-run accident occurs every 43 seconds on average in the US.
A record number of 2,049 lives were lost in hit-and-run accidents in 2016. In California, 2,948 hit-and-run accidents resulted in 3,056 fatalities between 2010 and 2019. These statistics indicate a significantly higher frequency of such incidents compared to other states.