[09-26-2024] Riverside County, CA – Woman and Child Injured After Suspected Hit-And-Run Crash Near Ramona Elementary School in Hemet

A driver struck and injured a 39-year-old woman and her 7-year-old son in a suspected hit-and-run incident near Ramona Elementary School in Hemet on Thursday morning, September 26, 2024.

The collision occurred around 7:45 a.m. at the intersection of Yale Street and Salt Circle, according to California Highway Patrol reports.

CHP Officer Jonathan Torres stated that the mother was pushing the child in a stroller while crossing the street, describing the situation as a likely hit-and-run. The mother and child were taken to a hospital and treated for minor injuries.

Authorities are currently searching for the suspect vehicle, described as a light-colored pickup truck, though no further details about the driver are available.

The investigation is ongoing.

Respected Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys In Riverside County

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.

Our renowned hit-and-run accident victim lawyers provide free initial consultations. During these consultations, we assess the specific circumstances of your case, explain the legal procedures involved, and consider essential factors that could impact the potential compensation you may be eligible to receive.

You can rely on the legal advice of our award-winning Riverside County 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 $750 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 Accident In Riverside County

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience, especially when the other driver flees the scene. In such cases, it’s crucial to stay composed and take specific actions to protect yourself and your rights. Following the right steps after a hit-and-run can not only aid in identifying the responsible party but also strengthen your claim when seeking compensation.

Below is a guide on what to do if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation:

1. Move To A Safe Location. If possible, move your vehicle or yourself to a safe area to avoid further accidents or injury. Staying in a dangerous spot could result in additional harm, so prioritize your safety first.
2. Stay Calm And Assess Injuries. After moving to safety, take a moment to assess yourself and others involved for injuries. Even if you feel fine initially, adrenaline can mask injuries, so be thorough. Stay calm, avoid panicking, and importantly, do not admit fault to anyone at the scene.
3. Document Important Details. If you are physically able, try to collect critical details about the other vehicle, such as the license plate number, make, model, and color. If you cannot note everything, take as many photos of the scene as possible, including any damage to your vehicle, debris, or skid marks, which could help with investigations later.
4. Contact The Police Immediately. Call the police right away to report the hit-and-run accident. The sooner authorities are notified, the faster they can investigate and potentially track down the fleeing driver. By calling the police, you also create an official record of the incident. This report will be valuable when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action. You can request a copy of the collision report later from the police or the California DMV.
5. Gather Witness Information. If there are any witnesses nearby, get their names and contact information as soon as possible. Witnesses can play a vital role in corroborating your version of events or providing additional information about the fleeing driver. They may leave quickly after the police arrive, so be proactive about gathering their details.
6. Seek Immediate Medical Attention. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms right away. By seeing a doctor, you not only safeguard your health but also create medical documentation that will support your claim for any injuries.
7. Report The Crash To Your Insurance Company. Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as you can. Stick to the facts of what happened, and do not admit fault or assign blame. Be cautious about providing recorded statements or accepting settlement offers until you have consulted with a hit-and-run attorney.
8. Consult With An Experienced California Hit-And-Run Attorney. Finally, contact a qualified hit-and-run attorney in California. They can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, property damage, and other losses.

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.