[11-15-2024] Sonoma County, CA – 87-Year-Old Man in Serious Condition After Hit-And-Run Crash Off Leveroni Road

An 87-year-old man remains in serious condition at Queen of the Valley Hospital after being struck by a vehicle in Sonoma on Friday evening, November 15, 2024.

The California Highway Patrol responded to the hit-and-run crash at approximately 9:00 p.m. off Leveroni Road, just west of Fryer Creek Drive, outside the Sonoma city limits.

The victim, identified as Richard E., was hit by a silver Volkswagen Tiguan. The suspect, 63-year-old Timothy D., turned himself in at the Sonoma Police Department later that evening.

Drugs and alcohol were not found to be contributing factors in the crash. The victim, who suffers from dementia, had wandered away from his home and was struck while walking along the road. He sustained major injuries, including a broken hip, femur, and ribs.

The incident is still under investigation.

Call Our Trusted Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers In Sonoma, CA

Hit-and-run victims can greatly benefit from having lawyers who can expertly guide them through the complicated legal process. You need someone you can rely on when the situation gets tough—and it often does. Hiring a skilled attorney will ensure that your interests are protected.

You can rely on the legal advice of our dedicated Sonoma hit-and-run accident lawyers 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 Accident In Sonoma, 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

I HAD AN 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 (the most recent data available), 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.