[06-20-2025] San Diego County, CA – Man Killed in Hit-and-Run on I-5 Off-Ramp at Hawthorn Street

A man was struck and killed in a hit-and-run while walking along an off-ramp from Interstate 5 in San Diego early Friday morning, June 20, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around 12:44 a.m. on the Hawthorn Street off-ramp from northbound I-5 near the Little Italy neighborhood. The man was hit by an unknown vehicle that fled the scene.

The pedestrian, who has not yet been publicly identified pending family notification, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation.

Contact Our Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers In San Diego, CA

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be a disorienting and stressful experience. When the driver responsible leaves the scene, it often complicates the process of addressing injuries, property damage, and pursuing available legal remedies.

If you are facing this situation, our hit-and-run accident lawyers in San Diego are available to support you. We offer guidance with collecting relevant evidence, working with medical providers to help document injuries, and navigating the often complex insurance claims process. Our team can provide information about your legal options and help you make decisions that align with your needs and circumstances.

To learn more or speak with someone about your case, you can reach us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have a Case?” form for an initial consultation.

Steps To Take After A Hit-And-Run Accident

If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to act quickly to protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Below are the recommended steps to follow to ensure you handle the situation effectively:

1. Prioritize Your Health And Seek Medical Care
   Even if you don’t feel pain right away, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, especially internal injuries, may not show symptoms at first. A medical evaluation will help document your injuries and provide the necessary foundation for future claims.
2. Report The Accident To Authorities
   It’s important to report the hit-and-run accident to the police as soon as possible. Filing an official report helps start the investigation and ensures there is a legal record of the accident. Be sure to provide as many details as possible, including the time, location, and descriptions of the vehicle or driver involved.
3. Document The Scene And Any Damages
   If you are able to do so safely, take clear photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle or nearby property. If you are unable to take pictures, ask someone else for help. This visual evidence will be valuable for your case and help provide key 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 may provide valuable information and help identify the responsible driver, 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 so they can begin processing your claim. A lawyer can also assist you in communicating with your insurance provider to ensure your interests are protected.
6. Consult An Experienced Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyer
   It’s advisable to consult with a lawyer who has experience in handling hit-and-run accidents. A skilled attorney can guide you through the legal process, help collect crucial evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and assist you in understanding your legal options.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Hit-And-Run Accident Statistics

Hit-and-run accidents are a common issue in the United States. From 2018 to 2022, over 4 million people were involved in these incidents, with more than 12,000 resulting in fatalities. However, most hit-and-run accidents, about 74 percent, only involved property damage and not injuries or deaths.

In 2022, 0.4 percent of all licensed drivers in the U.S. were involved in a hit-and-run. While this might seem like a small percentage, it still represents a significant number of drivers. In terms of geographic areas, the South has the highest rate of fatal hit-and-runs per capita, followed by the West, Midwest, and Northeast. California had the most fatal hit-and-runs in 2022, with 490, while Louisiana had the highest rate of fatal hit-and-runs at 1.70 deaths per 100,000 residents, which is much higher than the national average.