[10-26-2024] Alameda County, CA – Two People Injured After High-Speed Hit-And-Run Crash Near Downtown Oakland

Two people sustained injuries after a single-vehicle high-speed hit-and-run crash near downtown Oakland on Saturday afternoon, October 26, 2024.

According to Oakland police, the crash occurred at around 4:29 p.m. when a rented 2023 black Dodge Charger with Nevada plates was traveling westbound on West Grand Avenue.

The driver, who was speeding, attempted to turn north onto the 2200 block of San Pablo Avenue, causing the car to veer off the roadway and crash into a light pole.

The woman, who was seated in the front passenger seat, sustained critical injuries, including a severed right hand, a broken arm, and internal injuries. She was transported to a hospital, where she remains in critical condition.

A 17-year-old male passenger from East Palo Alto, seated in the rear, suffered eye and chest injuries and was taken to the hospital in stable condition. The driver fled the scene on foot and has yet to be located.

The Oakland Police Department is investigating the incident and encourages anyone with information to contact them.

Speak To Our Reputable Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys In Oakland, CA

If you or someone you care about was injured in a hit-and-run accident around the area, you have the option to either file a legal case or make an insurance claim. Our injury law firm in Oakland is here to help you! Consult with our lawyers, who specialize in hit-and-run accidents under the supervision of Arash Khorsandi, Esq.

Get a complimentary first meeting with our legal experts. We will evaluate your case, suggest the necessary actions, and analyze the critical elements that may affect the settlement offer you could receive. Additionally, our lawyers can assist you if obtaining further information or a police report proves challenging.

Our reliable Oakland hit-and-run accident attorneys will advocate for your rights and skillfully represent you in any required legal proceedings. Our legal practice has obtained over $750 million in compensation for clients in California. You can rest easy knowing that you are working with the best.

To contact one of our personal injury attorneys, please dial (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

Actions To Take Following A Hit-And-Run Accident In Oakland, CA

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

A recent study by ValuePenguin revealed that the increase in fatal hit-and-run incidents between 2012 and 2021 has vastly outpaced the overall rise in deadly crashes during the same period.

In 2021 alone (the most recent data available), 2,783 fatal crashes involved hit-and-runs—an 89.4% increase from the 1,469 incidents recorded in 2012. Comparatively, the total number of fatal crashes only rose by 27.4% over the same 10-year span.

California had the highest percentage of fatal crashes caused by hit-and-runs over the last decade, with 10.1% of its deadly crashes involving such incidents. Nevada followed at 8.5%, with New Mexico at 7.8%. Meanwhile, Wyoming (1.1%), Maine (1.3%), and New Hampshire (1.4%) reported the lowest shares.

Hit-and-runs were more likely to occur at night, with 9.5% of fatal nighttime crashes between 2012 and 2021 involving hit-and-runs, compared to just 2.7% during the daytime. Over this period, 77.3% of all deadly hit-and-runs occurred at night.

Pedestrians were most often the victims of fatal hit-and-runs, with over 60% of incidents involving them. Specifically, 62.8% of deadly hit-and-runs from 2012 to 2021 involved pedestrians, and pedestrian fatalities increased by 53.7% during that time.