[06-24-2023] Merced County, CA – Tragic Hit-and-Run Crash on Highway 33 Claims Life of SUV Driver, Injures Two People

An SUV driver was killed, while another driver and their passenger sustained minor injuries after a “non-contact hit-and-run crash” on Highway 33 in Merced County on Saturday afternoon, June 24, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol received a report about a four-vehicle accident on Highway 33, south of Hulen Road, at approximately 1:50 p.m.

According to the report, a dark blue or grey two-door Audi with tinted windows traveling south attempted to overtake a silver SUV. Unfortunately, the Audi crossed the path of an oncoming black pickup truck traveling north.

The truck driver tried to avoid the Audi but lost control, resulting in a head-on collision with the SUV. The impact of the crash caused the SUV to veer off the road and catch fire, while the pickup truck overturned in the middle of the roadway. The fourth vehicle, a Mustang, tried to avoid the collision but ended up in a ditch after losing control.

Tragically, the driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene. The 19-year-old driver and passenger of the pickup truck sustained minor injuries, while the 31-year-old driver of the Mustang did not sustain any injuries.

The CHP is actively searching for the Audi driver, who did not crash into the vehicles but fled the scene.

At this time, the authorities have not provided any information regarding the involvement of drugs or alcohol in the incident.

The investigation is ongoing.

Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers in Merced County

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or been killed in a hit-and-run incident in California, there are avenues to explore for seeking compensation. You can initiate a claim with your insurance company or pursue legal action. It is crucial to contact a proficient hit-and-run attorney in California if you have sustained significant harm or losses resulting from someone else’s negligence.

Our knowledgeable hit-and-run lawyers are ready to provide an initial consultation at no cost. During this consultation, we will assess the details of your case, offer guidance on the appropriate steps to take, and consider relevant factors that may impact any settlement offers.

You can rely on our trusted Merced County hit-and-run accident attorneys 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

Although the driver in the accident fled the scene, there are still avenues to track them down. By taking proactive measures, you can aid law enforcement in locating and apprehending the individual while bolstering your case if you seek compensation. The following recommendations outline a framework of steps to follow in the aftermath of a hit-and-run incident:

• 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 hit-and-run accident lawyers in California: Before accepting any settlement offers from other insurance providers, it is advisable to consult with a hit-and-run accident lawyer.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics

Failing to stop and 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.

According to information gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 737,100 reported hit-and-run accidents in the US in 2015, averaging approximately one incident occurring every 43 seconds.

In 2016, a record high of 2,049 fatalities resulted from hit-and-run accidents. Specifically in California, between 2010 and 2019, 2,948 hit-and-run accidents led to 3,056 deaths. These statistics underscore a significantly higher frequency of such incidents than in other states.