[08-26-2024] Merced County, CA – Man Fatally Struck By Vehicle After Hit-And-Run Collision Near Yosemite Avenue

A man was fatally struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run collision in Merced on Monday night, August 26, 2024.

According to the Merced Police Department, the incident occurred around 9:00 p.m. near Yosemite Avenue and Cordova Avenue.

Authorities stated that the victim was crossing the street when a driver, believed to be in a Toyota, hit him and fled the scene. The vehicle likely sustained significant damage.

After the initial collision, a second vehicle also struck the man, but that driver stayed on the scene and cooperated with law enforcement.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and detectives are working to identify him. Anyone with information about the hit-and-run is encouraged to contact the Merced Police Department.

There is no additional information immediately available.

Call The Respected Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys in Merced, CA

It is beneficial and ideal to seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney if you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident due to another person’s negligence.

You can rely on the legal advice of our award-winning Merced hit-and-run accident lawyers at Arash Law, under Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help you with your insurance claim or represent you in court proceedings effectively. We’re one of California’s most respected and biggest personal injury law firms, having recovered over $500 Million in compensation for accident victims and their families. We can also help you obtain additional information or a police report if needed.

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 Crash in Merced, CA

If you’re injured in a crash where the driver flees the scene, taking specific steps can significantly enhance your chances of securing a settlement. These actions not only assist authorities in tracking down the driver but also strengthen your claim for damages.

The recommended steps include:

1. Move To A Safe Location. If possible, move yourself or your vehicle to a safe location to avoid further collisions or injuries.
2. Stay Calm. Stay on the scene and make sure everyone is okay. Check yourself for injuries first, and then check others. Remain calm and do not admit fault.
3. Collect As Much Info As Possible While At The Scene Of The Accident. Depending on your condition, you might have the ability to get the car’s license plate number and the make, model, and color of the vehicle. If you can not note this info, you need to at least attempt to snap a few photos of the car (maybe using your cell phone).
4. Call The Police As Soon As Possible. The quicker you report the accident to authorities, the faster they can act to arrest the driver. Also, when you call the police, you develop a record of the accident. Within a few days, you can order a collision report from the police station that took it or through the California DMV. This record will assist you later when you submit a claim.
5. Get The Names And Contact Info Of Any Witnesses. You need to remember that individuals who witness an accident may stay to check on your condition, but after the cops and ambulance show up, they may quickly leave. You should get their names and phone numbers as soon as possible. Witnesses could play a crucial role. For example, a witness might verify that another vehicle collided with your car.
6. Get Immediate Medical Attention. You need to see a doctor as soon as possible for your well-being and get examined for injuries. Furthermore, if you see a doctor, it produces a record of your injuries. You must stick to your medical professional’s treatment plan as you improve.
7. Report The Crash To Your Own Insurance Company. While you ought to do this as fast as possible, you must stick with the facts. You do not have to admit or designate any fault. Plus, you should only give a recorded statement or accept a settlement agreement once you have talked to a California hit-and-run lawyer about your case.
8. Consult With Experienced California Hit-And-Run Attorneys. They can help you navigate the legal process and maximize your chances of compensation.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 737,100 documented cases of hit-and-run accidents in the US in 2015, equating to approximately one incident occurring every 43 seconds.

Between 2012 and 2021, the number of hit-and-runs increased significantly. In 2021, there were 2,783 fatal crashes involving hit-and-runs, an 89.4% increase from 2012’s 1,469 incidents. Over the past decade, fatal accidents have increased by 27.4%, highlighting the need to improve road safety.

Hit-and-runs accounted for 7.0% of fatal crashes, a 48.7% rise from 2012’s 4.7% in 2021. California had the highest share of hit-and-run-related fatal crashes at 10.1% over the decade, followed by Nevada (8.5%) and New Mexico (7.8%). Furthermore, over 6 in 10 fatal hit-and-runs involved pedestrians, underlining the pressing need to ensure pedestrian safety and curb the alarming rise in fatal hit-and-run incidents.