An 84-year-old man sustained serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle during his morning walk in Riverbank on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
According to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m. near Terminal and Townsend Avenues.
The victim, identified as Venustiano D., suffered a broken arm and fractured ankle. He remains in the ICU in stable condition.
Authorities believe the suspect vehicle is a medium-sized SUV that fled the scene after the collision. A second driver reportedly stopped to assist the victim but did not contact 911. It is unclear whether the individual witnessed the incident or arrived afterward.
The investigation into the collision is ongoing.
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Hit-and-run victims can greatly benefit from having lawyers who can expertly guide them through the complicated legal process. You need someone you can rely on when the situation gets tough—and it often does. Hiring a skilled attorney will ensure that your interests are protected.
You can rely on the legal advice of our dedicated Riverbank hit-and-run accident lawyers 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 $500 Million in compensation for accident victims and their families. We can also help you obtain additional information or a police report if needed.
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What To Do After A Hit-And-Run Accident In Riverbank, CA
A hit-and-run is a traumatic experience for the victim, but knowing what to do can help protect your safety and legal rights. Here are the steps you should take:
- Get To A Safer Place — If you’re in a vehicle, try to move it to the side of the road if possible. If you’re on foot or a bicycle, move to a secure location if you’re able. Avoid standing in dangerous areas where another vehicle might hit you.
- Note Important Information — As soon as possible, try to note any details about the vehicle that hit you. Even partial information can be crucial for the investigation. If you’re unsure about vehicle details, describe the car’s appearance or anything that stands out as much as you can.
- Call For Help — If there are serious injuries, call 911 for immediate medical help. If there are no severe injuries, you can contact the local police station to report the incident and request assistance.
- Gather Evidence — Collect as much evidence from the scene as possible. Take pictures and videos of the scene, including your injuries, any damage to your vehicle, and the surrounding area.
- Talk To Witnesses — Look for any witnesses nearby who may have seen the accident. Ask for their contact information and whether they noticed any details about the vehicle or driver.
- Seek Medical Attention — Regardless of how you feel after the accident, seek medical attention immediately. A thorough medical evaluation will ensure you receive the necessary care and provide important documentation for potential legal action.
- Consult With Hit-And-Run Injury Attorneys — Lawyers specializing in hit-and-run accident cases will know just what to do to help. They can explain your legal rights, help you explore your options for compensation, and assist in investigating the 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.