[08-28-2023] Merced County, CA – 16-Year-Old Pedestrian Injured in Hit-and-Run Accident on West 20th Street

A 16-year-old girl was injured after being struck by a hit-and-run vehicle in Merced County on Monday evening, August 28, 2023.

The Merced Law Enforcement said the incident occurred shortly after 9:30 p.m. at the crossing of West 20th Street and MLK Jr. Way.

According to the authorities, the teenage girl was crossing the road when she was struck by a silver vehicle. The victim suffered injuries, but her recovery is in progress. The official said the driver fled the scene.

Law enforcement has refrained from disclosing any details regarding the car or the driver involved in the incident. The investigation into the collision is ongoing.

Our Knowledgeable Merced County Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys

If you experience an injury due to a hit-and-run incident in California, options are available for pursuing compensation. These avenues encompass submitting a claim through your insurance provider or initiating legal proceedings. This becomes especially crucial when substantial damages or difficulties arise from the negligence of another party. It’s highly advisable to enlist the services of a skilled hit-and-run attorney who operates within California.

Our team of dependable hit-and-run accident attorneys in California, explicitly serving Merced County, stands prepared to provide an initial consultation without charge. During this consultation, we will evaluate your situation, provide guidance on necessary actions, and consider influential factors that could affect the potential settlement you might be eligible to receive.

You can rely on our trusted Merced County hit-and-run accident attorneys at Arash Law, under Arash Khorsandi, Esq.’s direction, 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.

Six Things We Should Be Aware of After a Hit-and-run Accident

Even in cases where the driver responsible for the accident flees, there are still methods to track them down. By taking appropriate steps, you can aid law enforcement in locating and apprehending the responsible individual while bolstering your case if you choose to pursue legal compensation.

Here are the six things we should be aware of after a hit-and-run accident:

1. Get immediate medical help: It is crucial not to delay seeking medical assistance, even if you don’t feel any direct pain. Make it a priority to visit a doctor promptly if you have sustained significant injuries.
2. Report the incident to the authorities: Immediately inform the police about the incident and ensure that you obtain a copy of the accident report from the police station or the appropriate department, such as the California DMV.
3. Inform your insurance company: Notify your insurance provider promptly about the hit-and-run accident, providing them with all the necessary details.
4. Collect evidence from the accident scene: Gather as much information as possible from where the accident occurred. It includes noting the license plate number and the vehicle’s make, model, and color.
5. Acquire witness statements: Obtain contact information (names and phone numbers) from any potential witnesses present at the scene and do this as soon as possible.
6. Seek advice from a California hit-and-run accident lawyer: Before accepting any settlement offers from other insurance companies, consulting a lawyer specializing in hit-and-run accidents is wise. They can provide valuable guidance and protect your rights.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics

Departing from the scene of an accident is a serious offense that carries significant consequences throughout the United States. Being involved in an accident and subsequently leaving without providing assistance or notifying law enforcement is considered unlawful nationwide.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were officially recorded 737,100 hit-and-run accidents in 2015. On average, a hit-and-run incident occurs about every 43 seconds. Unfortunately, these incidents led to the tragic loss of 2,049 lives in 2016.

Between 2010 and 2019, California encountered 2,948 documented hit-and-run collisions, resulting in 3,056 fatalities. Remarkably, California stands out with one of the highest rates of this type of accident compared to other states.

Without a doubt, the consequences of hit-and-run incidents are dire, underscoring the necessity for increased awareness and strategic actions to address and counteract this concerning trend.