An 81-year-old female pedestrian was killed after a suspected hit-and-run crash in St. Helena on Sunday morning, August 4, 2024.
According to the St. Helena Police Department, the incident was reported around 10:19 a.m. along Highway 29 near the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone.
SHPD stated that the woman, later identified as 81-year-old Jackie R., was walking in the bike lane parallel to the Napa Valley Vine Trail when she was struck by a vehicle that supposedly fled immediately after. Two pedestrians found the victim lying in a ditch on the highway’s east shoulder, near wineries and the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone.
It is said that she was conscious and alert when she was discovered and was quickly transported to a hospital as soon as the responding medical crews arrived. However, she succumbed to her injuries and passed away later that afternoon.
Authorities have yet to identify a suspect involved in the hit-and-run. No further information was provided.
SHPD is urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the investigators at (707) 312-1212.
Speak With Our Reputable Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers In St. Helena, CA
If you or someone you care about was injured in a hit-and-run accident around the area, you have the option to either file a legal case or make an insurance claim. Arash Law is here to help you! Consult with our lawyers, who specialize in hit-and-run accidents under the supervision of Arash Khorsandi, Esq.
Get a complimentary first meeting with our legal experts. We will evaluate your case, suggest the necessary actions, and analyze the critical elements that may affect the settlement offer you could receive. Additionally, our lawyers can assist you if obtaining further information or a police report proves challenging.
Our reputable St. Helena hit-and-run accident lawyers will advocate for your rights and skillfully represent you in any required legal proceedings. Our legal practice has obtained over $750 million in compensation for clients in California. You can rest easy knowing that you are working with the best.
To contact one of our personal injury attorneys, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.
Actions To Take Following A St. Helena Hit-And-Run Accident
There are specific measures you can take to safeguard your rights to obtain compensation following an unfortunate hit-and-run accident. Not only can they help authorities apprehend the driver, but they can also support your claim for proper compensation. These actions include:
- Gather As Much Information As You Can While At The Scene Of The AccidentTry to get the license plate number of the car that struck you or your vehicle and its brand, model, and color. If you can, try taking a few pictures of the involved car. All these can help quickly identify and subsequently find the vehicle involved in your case.
- Contact The Authorities As Soon As You CanThe 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.
- Obtain The Names And Contact Information Of Any Individuals Who May Have Witnessed The IncidentIt’s important to remember that people who see an accident might stay to ensure you’re okay, but after the police and ambulance arrive, they might depart immediately. It’s crucial to obtain their names and phone numbers promptly. Witnesses can have a significant impact in such cases. For instance, a witness could confirm that the other vehicle crashed into your car, not vice versa.
- Seek Prompt Medical CareFor your own sake, you should see a doctor as soon as possible and get checked for injuries. Following your doctor’s recommended treatment plan is crucial as you advance toward full recovery. Moreover, when you visit a doctor, thorough documentation of your injuries is generated, which is useful for submitting a claim.
- Notify Your Insurance Carrier About The AccidentWhile it is important to do this task quickly, it is also essential 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.
Hit-And-Run Accident Statistics
ValuePenguin’s study shows that 2,783 reported hit-and-run accidents were fatal in 2021. That is up by 89.4% from the same metric recorded in 2012 (1,469). Furthermore, the percentage of fatal crashes involving hit-and-runs also surged during this period. In 2021, 7% of fatal crashes resulted from hit-and-runs, 48.7% higher than the 2012 record (4.7%).