At least one individual was injured after a hit-and-run driver crashed into a hydrant in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, on Wednesday morning, June 14, 2023.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the incident occurred at 1:00 a.m. at the intersection of Vanowen and Sepulveda Boulevard.
The report said a driver collided with a hydrant and fled the scene on foot. The incident involved only one vehicle.
As a result, one person was injured at the scene, but it is unclear whether they were inside the vehicle or a pedestrian on the sidewalk when the collision occurred.
After approximately 35 minutes, the firefighters successfully stopped the water flow.
The incident is still ongoing.
Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run incident in California, there are options available to seek compensation. You can file a claim with your insurance provider or take legal action. It is crucial to contact a skilled hit-and-run attorney in California if you or your loved one has experienced substantial injuries or damages due to someone else’s negligence.
Our team of trusted hit-and-run accident lawyers is prepared to offer a free initial consultation. During this consultation, we will evaluate your case, provide advice on the necessary steps to follow, and consider any relevant factors that may affect the settlement offer you receive.
You can rely on our trusted Los Angeles 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
Despite the driver in the accident leaving the scene, there are still ways to seek them. By taking appropriate actions, you assist enforcement in locating and apprehending the individual and strengthen your case if you decide to pursue a legal claim for damages. The following guidelines provide a framework for the steps to take following a hit-and-run accident:
- Get immediate medical help: It is crucial not to delay seeking medical assistance, even if you don’t feel any immediate pain or discomfort. Make it a priority to visit a doctor promptly if you have sustained significant injuries.
- Report the incident to the authorities: Immediately inform the police about the incident and ensure that you obtain a copy of the accident report from the police station or the appropriate department, such as the California DMV.
- Inform your insurance company: Notify your insurance provider promptly about the hit-and-run accident, providing them with all the necessary details.
- Collect evidence from the accident scene: Gather as much information as possible from where the accident occurred. It includes noting the license plate number and the vehicle’s make, model, and color.
- Acquire witness statements: Obtain contact information (names and phone numbers) from any potential witnesses present at the scene and do this as soon as possible.
- Seek advice from a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer: Before accepting any settlement offers from other insurance companies, consulting a lawyer specializing in hit-and-run accidents is wise. They can provide valuable guidance and protect your rights.
Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics
In the United States, it is against the law to leave the scene of an accident without providing assistance or reporting it to the authorities. Both causing an accident and fleeing from it are considered criminal offenses.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 737,100 hit-and-run accidents in the United States in 2015. This statistic indicates that a hit-and-run incident occurs approximately every 43 seconds. In 2016 alone, these hit-and-run accidents resulted in the loss of 2,049 lives.
Between 2010 and 2019, California experienced 2,948 hit-and-run crashes, tragically leading to 3,056 fatalities. Compared to other states, California has one of the highest rates of this type of accident.