[06-17-2025] Riverside County, CA – Man in Wheelchair Critically Injured After Being Hit by Two Vehicles on Date Palm Drive in Cathedral City

A 68-year-old man in a wheelchair was critically injured after being struck by two vehicles while crossing Date Palm Drive in Cathedral City early Tuesday morning, June 17, 2025.

According to the Cathedral City Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 3:26 a.m. after receiving multiple reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle near Gerald Ford Drive.

Responding officers found the man with multiple injuries and transported him to Desert Regional Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition.

Police said the man was attempting to cross Date Palm Drive outside of a crosswalk when he was struck by a white van traveling southbound. The driver of the van fled the scene without stopping. Moments later, a second southbound vehicle also struck the man as he lay in the roadway.

The driver of the second vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Authorities ruled out impairment as a factor in the second collision.

Based on security footage, investigators believe the first vehicle was a white Toyota Sienna, model years 2011 to 2020. A rendering of the suspect vehicle was released to the public.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Contact Our Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers In Cathedral City, CA

Getting involved in a hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling confused, frustrated, and uncertain about your next steps. When the responsible party flees the scene, recovering from your injuries and securing compensation can become even more challenging.

Our experienced hit-and-run accident lawyers in Cathedral City are here to guide you through the complex legal process. We can assist you with gathering evidence, working closely with medical professionals to document your injuries, and helping you navigate the often confusing insurance claims process. Our team is here to help you understand your legal options and make informed decisions as you move forward.

If you’d like to discuss your case, contact us today at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free consultation.

Steps To Take After A Hit-And-Run Accident

If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is important to take immediate action to protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Below are the recommended steps to follow to ensure that you handle the situation properly and effectively.

1. Prioritize Your Health And Seek Medical Care
   Even if you do not feel immediate pain, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Many injuries, particularly internal ones, may not show symptoms right away. A medical evaluation helps document your injuries and provides a foundation for future claims.
2. Report The Accident To Authorities Without Delay
   It is essential to report the incident to the police as soon as possible. Filing an official report helps initiate an investigation and ensures there is a legal record of the accident. Be sure to provide detailed information about the crash, including the time, location, and any descriptions of the vehicle or driver that fled.
3. Document The Scene And Any Damages
   If you are able to do so safely, take detailed photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damages to your vehicle or nearby property. If you cannot take the photos yourself, ask someone else to assist. This visual evidence will support your case and provide essential details for your insurance and legal claims.
4. Collect Information From Witnesses
   If there were any witnesses to the accident, gather their contact details. Their accounts of the incident may provide valuable insights and help identify the responsible party, strengthening your case.
5. Notify Your Insurance Provider
   Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Your insurer needs to be informed of the incident promptly to process your claim effectively. A lawyer can help you communicate with your insurer in a way that protects your interests throughout the process.
6. Consult An Experienced Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
   It is advisable to consult with a lawyer experienced in handling hit-and-run accidents. A skilled attorney can provide crucial guidance on your legal options, assist with collecting evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Hit-And-Run Accident Statistics

Hit-and-run accidents continue to be a significant concern in the United States, as highlighted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2022. Between 2018 and 2022, over 4 million people were involved in hit-and-run incidents, with more than 12,000 of those resulting in fatalities. While these incidents are serious, approximately 74 percent of them were classified as property damage only.

In 2022, around 0.4 percent of all licensed drivers in the U.S. (or 1 in 250) were involved in a hit-and-run accident. Geographically, the Southern region of the U.S. reported the highest number of fatal hit-and-runs per capita, followed by the West, Midwest, and Northeast regions. California recorded the highest total number of fatal hit-and-runs in 2022, with 490 deaths. However, Louisiana experienced the highest rate of fatal hit-and-runs, with 1.70 deaths per 100,000 residents, which is 139 percent higher than the national average.