[11-26-2024] San Bernardino County, CA – Man in Wheelchair Injured After Hit-And-Run Incident on Tomahawk Road in Apple Valley

A man in a wheelchair sustained injuries in a hit-and-run collision in the Town of Apple Valley, San Bernardino County, on Tuesday evening, November 26, 2024.

Emergency services were dispatched to the scene at approximately 5:37 p.m. on Tomahawk Road, west of Rancherias Road.

Firefighters located the male victim near the dirt shoulder next to his wheelchair. The driver involved in the collision fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.

The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was able to communicate with first responders. He was transported by ambulance to St. Mary’s Medical Center for further evaluation.

Investigators found several broken car parts at the impact site and collected evidence to identify the suspect vehicle and driver.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Call The Respected Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys In San Bernardino County

It is beneficial and ideal to seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney if you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident due to another person’s negligence.

You can rely on the legal advice of our award-winning San Bernardino County hit-and-run accident lawyers at Arash Law, under Arash Khorsandi, Esq., 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.

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.

What To Do After A Hit-and-Run Crash in San Bernardino County

If you’re injured in a crash where the driver flees the scene, taking specific steps can significantly enhance your chances of securing a settlement. These actions not only assist authorities in tracking down the driver but also strengthen your claim for damages.

The recommended steps include:

1. Move To A Safe Location. If possible, move yourself or your vehicle to a safe location to avoid further collisions or injuries.
2. Stay Calm. Stay on the scene and make sure everyone is okay. Check yourself for injuries first, and then check others. Remain calm and do not admit fault.
3. Collect As Much Info As Possible While At The Scene Of The Accident. Depending on your condition, you might have the ability to get the car’s license plate number and the make, model, and color of the vehicle. If you can not note this info, you need to at least attempt to snap a few photos of the car (maybe using your cell phone).
4. 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.
5. Get The Names And Contact Info 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.
6. 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.
7. 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. Plus, you should only give a recorded statement or accept a settlement agreement once you have talked to a California hit-and-run lawyer about your case.
8. Consult With Experienced California Hit-And-Run Attorneys. They can help you navigate the legal process and maximize your chances of compensation.

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.