A 24-year-old local woman suffered major injuries after being struck by a hit-and-run driver on Chorro Street in San Luis Obispo on Friday afternoon, December 20, 2024.
According to the San Luis Obispo Police Department, the incident occurred shortly after 1:00 p.m. near parked cars on the 50 block of Chorro Street.
The woman reported being hit by a passing vehicle that failed to stop. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries.
On December 21, officers located the suspect’s vehicle in Arroyo Grande and arrested the driver, a 61-year-old Arroyo Grande man. He was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail on charges including felony hit-and-run causing great bodily injury, driving with a suspended license, and misdemeanor hit-and-run involving a parked car.
The investigation is ongoing.
Contact Our Dedicated Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers In San Luis Obispo, CA
Hit-and-run victims deserve compassionate, experienced legal support to navigate the complex legal process. When the situation becomes challenging—and it often does—you need a dependable advocate by your side. Hiring a skilled attorney ensures your rights are protected and your case is handled with expertise.
Our dedicated San Luis Obispo hit-and-run accident lawyers are here to provide trusted legal advice, assist with your insurance claim, and effectively represent you in court proceedings if necessary. As one of California’s most respected personal injury law firms, we’ve recovered over $500 million in compensation for accident victims and their families. We can also assist in obtaining additional information or a police report, should you require it.
To speak with one of our experienced lawyers, call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form today.
What To Do After A Hit-And-Run Accident In San Luis Obispo, 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, 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.