A bicyclist was killed after a hit-and-run crash in Tulare County on Sunday morning, August 11, 2024.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred just after 9:00 a.m. on Road 68 near Highway 198, just south of Goshen.
Authorities reported that a vehicle traveling north on Road 68 approached a man riding an orange bicycle on the right shoulder, also heading north. The vehicle struck the bicyclist and immediately fled the scene without stopping to render aid.
The bicyclist succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the victim has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
The CHP is actively investigating the incident and is searching for the vehicle and driver involved in this fatal hit-and-run. Anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities.
Contact Our Trusted Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers In Tulare County
If you or someone you care about was injured in a hit-and-run accident around the area, you have the option to either file a legal case or make an insurance claim. Our injury law firm in Tulare County is here to help you! Consult with our lawyers, who specialize in hit-and-run accidents under the supervision of Arash Khorsandi, Esq.
Get a complimentary first meeting with our legal experts. We will evaluate your case, suggest the necessary actions, and analyze the critical elements that may affect the settlement offer you could receive. Additionally, our lawyers can assist you if obtaining further information or a police report proves challenging.
Our trusted Tulare County hit-and-run accident lawyers will advocate for your rights and skillfully represent you in any required legal proceedings. Our legal practice has obtained over $750 Million in compensation for clients in California. You can rest easy knowing that you are working with the best.
If you or your loved one was a victim of such an accident as a cyclist, you may also refer to our bicycle accident lawyers. Our legal team will help you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
To contact one of our personal injury attorneys, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.
Actions To Take Following A Tulare County Hit-And-Run Accident
There are specific measures you can take to safeguard your rights to obtain compensation following an unfortunate hit-and-run accident. Not only can they help authorities apprehend the driver, but they can also support your claim for proper compensation. These actions include:
- Gather As Much Information As You Can While At The Scene Of The Accident. Try to get the license plate number of the car that struck you or your vehicle and its brand, model, and color. If you can, try taking a few pictures of the involved car. All these can help quickly identify and subsequently find the vehicle involved in your case.
- Contact The Authorities As Soon As You Can. The sooner you notify the police about the collision, the quicker they can apprehend the motorist. Moreover, when you contact the police, you create an official incident record. In a few days, you can request a collision report from either the police station that handled it or through the California DMV. This document will help you when you file a claim later.
- Obtain The Names And Contact Information Of Any Individuals Who May Have Witnessed The Incident. It’s important to remember that people who see an accident might stay to ensure you’re okay, but after the police and ambulance arrive, they might depart immediately. It’s crucial to obtain their names and phone numbers promptly. Witnesses can have a significant impact in such cases. For instance, a witness could confirm that the other vehicle crashed into your car, not vice versa.
- Seek Prompt Medical Care. For your own sake, you should see a doctor as soon as possible and get checked for injuries. Following your doctor’s recommended treatment plan is crucial as you advance toward full recovery. Moreover, when you visit a doctor, thorough documentation of your injuries is generated, which is useful for submitting a claim.
- Notify Your Insurance Carrier About The Accident. While it is important to do this task quickly, it is also essential to ensure that you only focus on the facts. Remember, you are not required to acknowledge or assign any blame. In addition, it is advisable to refrain from providing a recorded statement or agreeing to a settlement until you have consulted with lawyers specializing in hit-and-run accidents in California.
Hit-And-Run Accident Statistics
ValuePenguin’s study shows that 2,783 reported hit-and-run accidents were fatal in 2021. That is up by 89.4% from the same metric recorded in 2012 (1,469). Furthermore, the percentage of fatal crashes involving hit-and-runs also surged during this period. In 2021, 7% of fatal crashes resulted from hit-and-runs, 48.7% higher than the 2012 record (4.7%).
According to the latest California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) report, Tulare County recorded 153 fatalities and injuries involving hit-and-runs in 2021.