A 21-year-old passenger, Jacqueline Z., was killed after a two-vehicle and hit-and-run collision in Long Beach on Friday night, June 16, 2023.
According to the Long Beach Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 10:57 p.m. at Willow Street and Caspian Avenue, west of the Los Angeles River.
The report said an SUV drove in circles in the intersection and collided with a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, causing the Silverado to lose control and hit a tree situated in the center median.
Tragically, the impact ejected the woman from the front passenger seat of the truck.
The 20-year-old male driver of the Silverado from Carson remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. However, the driver of the SUV fled before the arrival of law enforcement officers.
Authorities suspected that speed and distracted driving played a role in the accident.
The investigation is ongoing.
Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers in Long Beach, Los Angeles County
If you or a loved one sustained injuries or was killed in a hit-and-run incident in California, options are available to pursue compensation. You can consider filing a claim with the insurance provider or taking legal measures. It is crucial to contact a skilled hit-and-run lawyer in California if you or a family member has experienced substantial harm or damages due to someone else’s negligence.
Our proficient hit-and-run accident attorneys are prepared to offer an initial consultation without charges. During this consultation, we will evaluate your case, advise on the required actions, and consider any pertinent factors affecting the settlement offer.
You can rely on our trusted Los Angeles 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 $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
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:
- Seek immediate medical assistance: It is important not to postpone seeking medical attention, even if you feel fine. Make it a priority to see a doctor promptly if you have sustained significant injuries.
- 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.
- Notify your insurance company: Notify your private insurance company promptly about the hit-and-run accident.
- 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.
- Obtain witness information: Assemble potential witnesses’ contact information (names and numbers) and gather this information quickly.
- Consult with our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers: Before accepting any settlement offers from other insurance providers, it is advisable to consult with a hit-and-run accident lawyer.
Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics
Failing to stop, assist victims, or report an accident is considered a criminal offense in the United States, as it violates laws about leaving the scene of an accident.
Based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 737,100 reported hit-and-run accidents in the US in 2015, with an average of approximately one occurring every 43 seconds.
In 2016, a record high in hit-and-run accidents resulted in the tragic loss of 2,049 lives. Specifically in California, between 2010 and 2019, 2,948 hit-and-run accidents led to 3,056 fatalities. These statistics demonstrate a significantly higher frequency of such incidents than in other states.