[09-25-2024] Riverside County, CA – 72-Year-Old Man Killed After Hit-And-Run Crash Along Magnolia Avenue

A 72-year-old man was struck and killed by an unlicensed driver in Riverside on Wednesday evening, September 25, 2024.

According to Riverside police Sgt. Tim Jensen, the incident occurred shortly after 7:00 p.m. when the victim was walking in one of the eastbound lanes of Magnolia Avenue.

The driver, identified as 21-year-old Leonicio C., was allegedly operating a Dodge Charger at an unconfirmed speed when he hit the pedestrian and fled the scene.

Emergency responders arrived at the location and rushed the gravely injured victim to Riverside Community Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Officers, using evidence collected at the scene, were able to track the vehicle driver to a residence on Cocopah Lane, just over a mile away, where he was arrested.

The driver was booked into the Robert Presley Jail on suspicion of hit-and-run resulting in death and driving without a license. He is being held on $75,000 bail.

The investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing.

Respected Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys In Riverside, CA

It is beneficial and ideal to seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney if you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident due to another person’s negligence. Our renowned hit-and-run accident victim lawyers provide free initial consultations. During these consultations, we assess the specific circumstances of your case, explain the legal procedures involved, and consider essential factors that could impact the potential compensation you may be eligible to receive.

You can rely on the legal advice of our award-winning Riverside 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 $750 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 Riverside, CA

Following a hit-and-run accident, taking specific steps is crucial to protecting your right to compensation. These actions not only assist law enforcement in locating the driver but also strengthen your claim for fair compensation. Here’s what you should do:

1. Gather As Much Information As Possible At The Scene. Try to note the license plate number, make, model, and color of the vehicle involved. If possible, take photos of the vehicle and the accident scene. These details can significantly help authorities identify and locate the driver responsible.
2. Contact The Authorities Immediately. Report the accident to the police as soon as possible. Prompt reporting increases the chances of apprehending the driver. Additionally, filing a police report creates an official record of the incident. Within a few days, you can request a collision report from either the police station or the California DMV, which will be vital when you file a claim.
3. Obtain Witness Information. Witnesses to the accident may offer valuable testimony. Be sure to gather their names and contact details right away, as they may leave before the police or emergency services arrive. A witness can corroborate your version of events, confirming that you were not at fault.
4. Seek Immediate Medical Attention. It’s important to visit a doctor as soon as possible to get checked for any injuries, even if you feel fine. Following your doctor’s treatment plan is essential for your recovery and also serves to document your injuries for your claim.
5. Notify Your Insurance Provider. While it’s important to inform your insurance company about the accident promptly, be sure to stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault. Refrain from giving a recorded statement or accepting any settlement offers until you’ve consulted with a lawyer who specializes in hit-and-run cases in California.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 737,100 documented cases of hit-and-run accidents in the US in 2015, equating to approximately one incident occurring every 43 seconds.

Between 2012 and 2021, the number of hit-and-runs increased significantly. In 2021, there were 2,783 fatal crashes involving hit-and-runs, an 89.4% increase from 2012’s 1,469 incidents. Over the past decade, fatal accidents have increased by 27.4%, highlighting the need to improve road safety.

Hit-and-runs accounted for 7.0% of fatal crashes, a 48.7% rise from 2012’s 4.7% in 2021. California had the highest share of hit-and-run-related fatal crashes at 10.1% over the decade, followed by Nevada (8.5%) and New Mexico (7.8%). Furthermore, over 6 in 10 fatal hit-and-runs involved pedestrians, underlining the pressing need to ensure pedestrian safety and curb the alarming rise in fatal hit-and-run incidents.