A bicyclist was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene in east Bakersfield on Sunday morning, October 22, 2023.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred on Pesante Road and Mesa Drive at around 11:03 p.m.
Authorities arrived at the scene and found the unidentified victim. Injuries were reported, but the extent of those injuries is not yet known.
Further information about the hit-and-run driver was unavailable. An investigation is being conducted to determine what caused the crash and what events led up to it.
Dedicated Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys in Bakersfield, CA
After a hit-and-run accident, the legal system should be utilized to obtain compensation and justice. You can file a lawsuit or submit an insurance claim.
A person may suffer serious injuries and property damage due to negligence or indifference on the part of another. If this is the case, you may benefit from the assistance of a personal injury lawyer.
You can count on the advice of our trusted Bakersfield hit-and-run accident attorneys at Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who can help you with your claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings.
Our personal injury law firm has recovered over $750 Million for clients and is widely acknowledged for its success and reputation as one of California’s most recognized personal injury law firms.
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 Accident in Bakersfield
While the at-fault driver may have fled the scene, that does not mean they cannot be found. You can help the authorities find and detain the hit-and-run driver by following the steps below. You can also use this information to improve your case if you file a lawsuit for damages. The following guidelines can help you if you are the victim of a hit-and-run:
- Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Move to a safe location away from traffic.
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Be sure to inform the dispatcher that it’s a hit-and-run.
- Write down as many details as possible about the fleeing vehicle, including its make, model, color, license plate number (even a partial plate can be helpful), and any distinctive features.
- Obtain the contact information of the witnesses. They may have seen the accident and be willing to provide statements to the police.
- Take photos of the scene of the accident, your vehicle, and any visible injuries. These can serve as evidence later.
- Report the hit-and-run to the local police and provide them with all your information about the other vehicle.
- Contact your insurance company to report the accident. They can guide you on the next steps for filing a claim.
- Get medical help immediately, even if you think you don’t need it. Complications may arise later on.
- Preserve any evidence of the accident, such as damaged clothing or personal belongings. This could be important for your claim.
- Consult a hit-and-run attorney in California. They can help you navigate the legal process and maximize your chances of compensation.
Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics
Leaving the scene of an accident in the United States without assisting the victims or reporting the incident to the authorities is illegal and unethical.
According to a report, from 2010 to 2019, 3,056 people in California lost their lives due to 2,948 recorded deadly hit-and-run collisions. California has one of the highest fatality rates out of all states.
About 737,100 accidents involving hit-and-run drivers were reported in 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This equates to roughly one hit-and-run accident occurring every 43 seconds in the United States. A record number of 2,049 people were killed in hit-and-run accidents in 2016.