[08-30-2024] Santa Clara County, CA – Hit-And-Run Suspect Arrested After Barricading Himself in Morgan Hill Home; Victim’s Condition Unknown

Officers responded to a hit-and-run incident near the intersection of Malaga Drive and Majorca Drive in Morgan Hill on Friday morning, August 30, 2024.

According to the Morgan Hill Police Department, the suspect fled the scene on foot and broke into a nearby home, forcing the homeowner to flee. As a precaution, Nordstrom Elementary School, located across the street, was temporarily locked down.

Morgan Hill police, along with a SWAT team, surrounded the home, and the suspect was eventually arrested and is facing multiple charges.

Paramedics arrived on the scene, and the hit-and-run victim was seen being placed on a stretcher. The police have not yet released any information regarding the victim’s condition.

No additional details are immediately available.

Renowned Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys in Santa Clara County

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident caused by another person’s negligence, seeking legal counsel from a personal injury attorney is crucial. Our distinguished hit-and-run accident lawyers offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case, clarify the legal process, and identify key factors that could influence the compensation you deserve.

At Arash Law, under the leadership of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our award-winning Santa Clara County hit-and-run accident attorneys are committed to providing reliable legal advice and effective representation in both insurance claims and court proceedings. As one of California’s most respected and largest personal injury law firms, we have secured over $500 Million in compensation for accident victims and their families. Additionally, we can assist you in obtaining the necessary information or a police report.

To speak with one of our experienced attorneys, 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 Santa Clara County

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, there are specific steps you can take to safeguard your right to seek compensation. These actions not only assist authorities in tracking down the fleeing driver but also strengthen your claim for damages. These 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 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 737,100 reported hit-and-run accidents in the U.S. in 2015, which translates to roughly one incident every 43 seconds.

From 2012 to 2021, the number of hit-and-runs surged significantly. In 2021, there were 2,783 fatal hit-and-run crashes, marking an 89.4% increase from the 1,469 incidents recorded in 2012. Over the past decade, fatal accidents have risen by 27.4%, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures.

Hit-and-runs accounted for 7.0% of all fatal crashes in 2021, a 48.7% increase from 2012’s 4.7%. California had the highest percentage of fatal hit-and-run crashes over the decade at 10.1%, followed by Nevada (8.5%) and New Mexico (7.8%). Additionally, more than 60% of fatal hit-and-runs involved pedestrians, highlighting the critical need to improve pedestrian safety and address the troubling rise in fatal hit-and-run incidents.