[10-14-2024] Contra Costa County, CA – 14-Year-Old Girl Killed, Sister Critically Injured After Hit-And-Run Crash in Richmond

A 14-year-old girl was killed, and her 11-year-old sister was critically injured after a two-vehicle hit-and-run crash in Richmond on early Monday morning, October 14, 2024.

Richmond Police responded to the scene at approximately 5:15 a.m. after receiving automatic iPhone collision alerts.

An investigation revealed that an Infiniti G35 had been speeding northbound on Canal Boulevard when it left the roadway and struck two trees and a power pole before coming to rest in the roadway.

The 14-year-old was found dead at the scene after being ejected from the vehicle. Her 11-year-old sister was critically injured. Authorities reported that two 15-year-old boys allegedly fled the scene, with one later found at a hospital seeking treatment and the other located at a residence in Richmond.

The Infiniti had been reported stolen from San Pablo on Saturday and was reportedly involved in sideshow activities before the collision. Lt. Donald Patchin of Richmond Police stated, “Initial reports indicate the vehicle was probably participating in a sideshow just prior to this, showing how quickly such activities can turn deadly.”

Richmond police continue their investigation, with potential manslaughter and stolen vehicle charges under consideration once the driver is identified.

The investigation is ongoing.

Call The Trusted Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys In Richmond, CA

If you or someone you care about was injured in a hit-and-run accident, 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. 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 industry-leading Richmond hit-and-run accident attorneys 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 dial (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

Actions To Take Following A Hit-And-Run Accident In Richmond, CA

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:

1. Gather As Much Information As You Can While At The Scene Of The Accident. Try 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.
2. Contact The Authorities As Soon As You Can. The 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.
3. Obtain The Names And Contact Information Of Any Individuals Who May Have Witnessed The Incident. It’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.
4. Seek Prompt Medical Care. For 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.
5. Notify Your Insurance Carrier About The Accident. While 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.

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.