[08-27-2023] Sonoma County, CA – 18-Year-Old Male Pedestrian Killed After Alleged Hit-and-Run Crash Near Rio Vista Road

An 18-year-old pedestrian was killed after an alleged hit-and-run crash in Sonoma County on Sunday morning, August 27, 2023.

As the California Highway Patrol reported, a dark-colored, small SUV, which appears to be a Buick, struck a pedestrian around 7:30 a.m. along River Road near Rio Vista Road.

Authorities stated that after fishing, three people were walking along River Road when the vehicle struck an outside person, an adult male. Upon arriving at the scene, firefighters declared the person dead.

Officials said one of the fishing party members approached the car’s driver, who initially stopped after colliding with the victim but fled the scene afterward. Witnesses described the driver as a white woman.

The authorities released no further details regarding the crash, and anyone with information about the vehicle or its driver should contact them immediately.

The investigation is ongoing.

Renowned Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys in Sonoma County

There are various options for obtaining compensation if you or a loved one was hurt or died in a hit-and-run accident in California. You have two options: submit a claim to your insurance carrier or initiate a lawsuit.

Suppose you have suffered severe injuries or property damage due to someone else’s negligence. In that case, you must seek the help of an expert hit-and-run lawyer who focuses on California law.

For a free consultation, our hit-and-run accident attorneys are ready to assist you. We will discuss potential settlement offers during this initial consultation and evaluate your case.

You can rely on our trusted Sonoma County hit-and-run accident attorneys at Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help you with your 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

Even though the accident’s driver fled the scene, there are still ways to look for them. By following the necessary steps, you aid law enforcement in finding and detaining the offender and improve your case if you pursue a legal claim for damages. The following guidelines provide a framework for the steps to take following a hit-and-run accident:

• 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

In the United States, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident without rendering aid or reporting it.

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.

The number of hit-and-run incidents reached a record high in 2016, resulting in the tragic loss of 2,049 lives. From 2010 to 2019, 2,948 hit-and-run incidents in California resulted in 3,056 fatalities. These statistics reveal a significantly higher incidence of such occurrences than in other states.