[10-04-2023] Monterey County, CA – 43-Year-Old Pedestrian Died Following DUI Hit-And-Run Crash in Salinas

A male pedestrian was killed after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run collision in Salinas on Wednesday night, October 04, 2023.

The Salinas Police Department responded to the crash near Williams and Laurel in east Salinas.

A 43-year-old man in a blue shirt and black shorts was crossing the street when the drunk driver struck him.

An investigation identified the driver as 31-year-old Fredy M., who dragged the victim’s body for approximately 50 yards. As the victim rested, a truck turning onto Laurel nearly struck him again.

Police stated the driver was on probation and driving without a license. Authorities located him after a witness provided his license plate. He was charged with hit-and-run, DUI, driving without a license, and murder because of a previous DUI conviction.

There has been no identification of the victim, pending notification of relatives. A bail of $1 million is being sought for the driver, who remains in the county jail.

Qualified Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys in Salinas, Monterey County

A fatal hit-and-run accident must be pursued legally to receive justice and recover damages. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to file a lawsuit or make an insurance claim. A person’s negligence or indifference will inevitably result in injury and property damage. An injury attorney can provide you with the legal protection you need.

We offer free consultations if you want to speak with one of our attorneys. Upon reviewing your case, we will inform you of the next steps. We have a team of highly experienced lawyers who will represent you as our client. We will provide you with personalized advice based on your specific needs.

Seek legal advice from our trustworthy Salinas hit-and-run accident lawyers specializing in DUI at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who can help you with your claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings. We have recovered over $750 Million for California clients and are known for our success and reputation as the state’s top personal injury law firm.

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.

Top 5 Things To Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash

If you are involved in a crash with a driver who flees the scene, you can take particular steps to protect your ability to recover a settlement. The steps you choose can help authorities catch the driver, and they can help establish your claim for damages. Those actions consist of:

1. Collect as much information as possible while at the scene of the accident. You must get the car’s license plate number and the vehicle’s make, model, and color, depending on your condition. If you cannot, you need to at least attempt to snap a few photos of the car using your cell phone.
2. 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.
3. Get the names and contact information 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.
4. 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.
5. 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. You should not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement agreement until you have talked to a California hit-and-run lawyer about your case.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics

When you have sustained injuries in an accident, you must contact the authorities and assist the victims before leaving the scene.

In California, 2,948 people were killed in 3,056 fatal hit-and-run accidents between 2010 and 2019. A high rate of automobile accidents contributes to California’s high death rate due to its high car accident rate.

According to the 2020 OTS ranking of the California Office of Traffic and Safety, Salinas had 52 pedestrian fatalities and injuries and 53 for hit-and-run. With an average population of 161,777 in the same year, 515 were victims of different accidents.