[06-22-2022] San Bernardino County, CA – Several People Injured in Hit-And-Run Collision in Yucca Valley

According to Deputy Renteria, a San Diego woman is being sought for hit-and-run after fleeing the scene of a crash with an MBTA bus injuring several people in Yucca Valley Wednesday, June 22, 2022.

The crash occurred at about 7:25 a.m., and deputies responded to the intersection of Twentynine Palms Highway and Hopi Trail.

According to the traffic report, a Chrysler van and an MBTA bus collided, blocking the intersection.

The driver of the Chrysler van, Zulema S., 32, of San Diego, was traveling west on Twentynine Palms Highway when she approached Hopi Trail, according to the investigation.

Two people were aboard the MBTA bus, which was stopped at the bus drop-off/pick-up location.

A witness claimed that Smith drove her van into the rear driver’s side of the bus after swerving from the number one lane into the number two one. Before deputies arrived, Smith left the area and the van.

Ramirez-Smith did not make an effort to converse with the bus driver. The County Fire Department provided on-scene treatment and clearance for the MBTA driver and passengers.

Using her California Identification Card that was left in the van and video evidence found on the MBTA bus, Zulema S. was recognized as the van’s driver.

Calling Deputy A. Renteria at the Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175 is the best course of action for anyone with information about this incident.

Hit-and-Run Crash Statistics

Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in and of itself. Sadly, hit-and-run collisions continue to occur frequently on US highways. In the US, a hit-and-run accident occurs every minute.

In 2016, there were 2,049 hit-and-run fatalities in the US. In the United States, there are roughly 682,000 hit-and-run incidents per year. Walking victims of hit-and-run accidents frequently sustain injuries.

Drivers who hit people on the road and continued driving were responsible for more than 5% of fatalities. Every year, the average increase in hit-and-run incidents is 7.2%. Cars hitting pedestrians and leaving the scene were responsible for 20% of pedestrian fatalities.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, California’s hit-and-run accident rate in 2016 was at its highest level (the most recent year for which data is available). 337 people were killed in hit-and-run incidents in 2016. This represents an increase of 60% from the previous ten years.

A driver may leave the scene of an accident for several reasons. Among other things, they might be drug addicts, run-ins with the law, lack health insurance or be here illegally.

San Bernardino County Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers

A California driver must get off the road as safely as possible when a car accident occurs. Not stopping and waiting for the police to arrive at the scene is a crime or a serious infraction.

It gets even trickier if the other driver does not acknowledge their error, pull over, or offer support. Many people injured in hit-and-run collisions are unaware that even if the at-fault driver flees, they still might be entitled to financial support for their suffering, medical costs, and lost wages.

The sooner you speak with a skilled hit-and-run accident lawyer in Sacramento County, the better your chances are of recovering damages for your injuries or losing a loved one.

Arash Law’s San Bernardino County hit-and-run accident lawyers have a wealth of experience defending people who have been hurt or killed while walking in traffic. We are knowledgeable about the applicable law in these circumstances.

To get the best settlement or jury verdict for our clients, our attorneys spend a lot of time getting to know them and their issues. Call a lawyer at (888) 488-1391 if a hit-and-run accident left you hurt.