[08-09-2023] Kern County, CA – Wheelchair User Injured Following Possible Hit-And-Run in Bakersfield

A person in a wheelchair was injured after a possible hit-and-run in Bakersfield on Wednesday evening, August 9, 2023.

According to the Bakersfield Police Department, the incident took place in the area of 8th and Union Street at around 9:00 p.m.

The cause of the crash could not be determined pending an investigation, but it appears to be the result of a hit-and-run.

The authorities arrived at the scene to find the victim had sustained major injuries. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

No information was released regarding the victim’s identity.

Anyone with more information about this possible hit-and-run incident is encouraged to call the authorities.

Dedicated Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers in Bakersfield, CA

Two options are available if you or a loved one were injured in a California hit-and-run accident. You have two options: filing a lawsuit or submitting a claim to your insurance company. A hit-and-run lawyer should be consulted if the carelessness of another leads to severe injury or loss to you or someone you love.

Contact our experienced legal team for a free consultation. Your consultation will include an assessment of your case, recommendations for necessary steps to take, and a review of the key factors that could influence your potential settlement offer.

You can count on our award-winning Bakersfield hit-and-run accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help you with the insurance claim or effectively represent you in 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

In the event that the negligent driver fled the scene, compensation can still be sought. It is possible to help authorities find and apprehend the suspects involved if you take the appropriate steps, which may support your case in a lawsuit. After a hit-and-run accident, the following guidelines offer a framework for what to do:

• Ensure immediate medical attention: It is crucial not to delay seeking medical help, even if you believe you are unharmed. Prioritize seeing a doctor promptly if you have sustained significant injuries.
• Report the incident to the police: Notify the police immediately, providing them with all the relevant details. Obtain a copy of the accident report from the police station or the California DMV.
• Inform your insurance company: Promptly inform your private insurance company about the hit-and-run accident.
• Collect evidence from the accident scene: Gather as much information as possible from the accident scene, including the license plate number, make, model, and color of the involved vehicle.
• Obtain witness details: Quickly gather potential witnesses’ contact information (names and phone numbers) at the scene.
• Seek legal advice: It is advisable to consult with a California hit-and-run accident attorney before accepting any settlement offers from other insurance providers.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there was a 26% increase in hit-and-run fatalities on US roads in 2020, which outpaced the increase in overall fatalities.

Over the past 15 years, hit-and-run deaths have steadily increased as a percentage of traffic deaths. It is also becoming more common for pedestrians and cyclists to be victims of hit-and-run accidents. In 2020, 69.6% of hit-and-run deaths were either pedestrians or cyclists, compared with 61.1% in 2006. One in four pedestrian deaths in 2020 was a hit-and-run.

There may be a link between the decline in public transportation services in 2020 and the increase in hit-and-run traffic deaths. At the start of the pandemic in 2020, ridership fell 79% compared to 2019, and 65% of transit agencies cut back service.