[11-04-2024] San Diego County, CA – 1-Year-Old Child Injured After Hit-And-Run Crash on Rincon Reservation in Valley Center

A 1-year-old child was injured after being struck by a hit-and-run driver on the Rincon reservation in Valley Center, San Diego County, on Monday morning, November 4, 2024.

The driver reportedly fled the scene shortly after the collision, which occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Morningstar Road.

Emergency responders transported the child to a hospital, although details about the child’s condition and gender remain undisclosed.

A vehicle suspected of being involved was located approximately 10 miles away on State Route 76 near Pauma Valley Drive. Investigators are working to confirm if the driver of the located vehicle was involved in the hit-and-run, according to Sheriff’s Lt. David Chandroo.

The California Highway Patrol is overseeing the investigation.

Contact The Trusted Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys In San Diego County

You have the right to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action if you or a loved one is hurt in a hit-and-run accident in the area. We at our San Diego County personal injury law firm are ready to help! Led by the renowned Arash Khorsandi, Esq., you can speak with our knowledgeable lawyers who focus on hit-and-run cases. They will evaluate your case thoroughly, suggest the best course of action, and determine the relevant variables that could affect your settlement.

Our committed lawyers are available to help if you’re experiencing trouble getting a police report or more information. In any court case, our reputable San Diego County hit-and-run attorneys will protect your rights and offer knowledgeable counsel. Having recovered more than $500 million for customers throughout California, you can rest easy knowing you’re in capable hands.

If you would like to speak with a personal injury attorney, please fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form or call us at (888) 488-1391.

Steps To Take After A Hit-And-Run Accident In San Diego County

There are specific measures you can take to safeguard your rights to obtain compensation following a hit-and-run accident. Not only can they help authorities apprehend the driver, but they can also support your claim for maximum compensation. These actions include:

1. Gather As Much Information As You Can While At The Scene Of The Accident – Make sure to note the license plate number, as well as the make, model, and color of the vehicle that hit you or your car. If possible, take a few photos of the vehicle involved. This information will be crucial in identifying and locating the vehicle involved in your case.
2. 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.
3. Obtain The Names And Contact Information Of Any Individuals Who May Have Witnessed The Incident – Keep in mind that witnesses to an accident may stay to check on your well-being, but often leave once the police and ambulance arrive. It’s essential to gather their names and contact information quickly. Witnesses can play a critical role in your case, for example, by verifying that the other vehicle hit your car, not the other way around.
4. Seek Prompt Medical Care – It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible to assess any injuries you may have. Following the recommended treatment plan is essential for your recovery. Additionally, visiting a doctor ensures detailed documentation of your injuries, which can be valuable when filing a claim.
5. Notify Your Insurance Carrier About The Accident – While it is important to do this task quickly, it is also crucial 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.
6. Consult Our Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers – If you’re unsure, give us a call at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, assist with insurance communication, and help you file a personal injury claim if needed. Our experienced California hit-and-run accident lawyers are here to guide and support you through the process.

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.