A 26-year-old Bakersfield man was killed after being rear-ended by a hit-and-run driver in Tulare on Sunday morning, October 27, 2024.
Authorities responded to the incident around 10:00 a.m. on Highway 99, north of the K Street over-crossing.
According to the California Highway Patrol, a black Chevrolet Silverado was traveling northbound when it collided with the rear of a red Nissan Altima. The impact caused the Altima to travel across all northbound lanes and come to rest against a wire fence. Following the initial collision, the Silverado then crashed into the rear of a white Ford Escape.
All involved vehicles sustained major damage. The driver of the Nissan was pronounced dead at the scene, while two of the three passengers in the Ford Escape suffered minor injuries. CHP reports that the driver of the Silverado fled the scene on foot and remains unidentified.
It is currently unknown if alcohol or drugs played a role in this tragic crash, and the investigation is ongoing.
Call The Trusted Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys In Tulare, CA
If you or someone you care about was injured in a hit-and-run accident, you have the option to either file a legal case or make an insurance claim. Arash Law is here to help you!
Consult with our lawyers, who specialize in hit-and-run accidents under the supervision of Arash Khorsandi, Esq. 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 industry-leading Tulare 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 $500 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 Tulare, CA
There are specific measures you can take to safeguard your rights to obtain compensation following an unfortunate hit-and-run accident. Not only can they help authorities apprehend the driver, but they can also support your claim for proper compensation. These actions include:
- Gather As Much Information As You Can While At The Scene Of The Accident. Try to get the license plate number of the car that struck you or your vehicle and its brand, model, and color. If you can, try taking a few pictures of the involved car. All these can help quickly identify and subsequently find the vehicle involved in your case.
- Contact The Authorities As Soon As You Can. The sooner you notify the police about the collision, the quicker they can apprehend the motorist. Moreover, when you contact the police, you create an official incident record. In a few days, you can request a collision report from either the police station that handled it or through the California DMV. This document will help you when you file a claim later.
- Obtain The Names And Contact Information Of Any Individuals Who May Have Witnessed The Incident. It’s important to remember that people who see an accident might stay to ensure you’re okay, but after the police and ambulance arrive, they might depart immediately. It’s crucial to obtain their names and phone numbers promptly. Witnesses can have a significant impact in such cases. For instance, a witness could confirm that the other vehicle crashed into your car, not vice versa.
- Seek Prompt Medical Care. For your own sake, you should see a doctor as soon as possible and get checked for injuries. Following your doctor’s recommended treatment plan is crucial as you advance toward full recovery. Moreover, when you visit a doctor, thorough documentation of your injuries is generated, which is useful for submitting a claim.
- Notify Your Insurance Carrier About The Accident. While it is important to do this task quickly, it is also essential to ensure that you only focus on the facts. Remember, you are not required to acknowledge or assign any blame. In addition, it is advisable to refrain from providing a recorded statement or agreeing to a settlement until you have consulted with lawyers specializing in hit-and-run accidents in California.
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.