[04-09-2025] Monterey County, CA – Bicyclist Injured, Driver Arrested in Felony Hit-and-Run on Salinas Road Near Pajaro

A bicyclist was injured, and a driver was arrested following a felony hit-and-run crash on Salinas Road near the unincorporated community of Pajaro in Monterey County on Wednesday afternoon, April 9, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the bicyclist, a resident of Watsonville, was making a left turn into a traffic lane when they were struck by a black GMC Yukon traveling northbound.

The impact threw the bicyclist onto the roadway. Other drivers stopped to assist the injured rider, who sustained moderate injuries.

Following an investigation, the driver of the Yukon was located and arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. Authorities stated that alcohol or drugs were not factors in the collision.

The CHP is investigating the incident.

Talk To Our Dedicated Hit-And-Run Accident Victim Attorneys In Monterey County, CA

It’s a tragedy to get injured or have your loved one killed in an accident while the at-fault party evades responsibility. If you or someone you care about was injured or killed in a hit-and-run, seek legal assistance from our Monterey County hit-and-run accident victim attorneys to recover damages.

Arash Khorsandi, Esq., and his industry-recognized team at Arash Law offer free initial consultations to evaluate the merits of your case. This consultation does not require you to sign. We will review your case, explain your rights, options, and the claims process, and examine the factors influencing the compensation you may receive.

Our top-rated Monterey County injury law firm provides legal guidance in insurance claims and even court representation. As one of California’s top and biggest personal injury law firms, we have won over $750 million for accident victims and their families.

Talk to our attorneys today. Call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After Getting Injured In A Hit-And-Run Accident

Only if you’re still able to do so following a hit-and-run, you must protect your well-being and rights to compensation by taking the steps listed below. Doing so can also assist authorities in finding the at-fault driver:

• Collect Information — If possible, write down the make, model, color, and license plate number of the car that hit you. Take pictures of the vehicle and the accident scene. This information can help identify the driver.
• Notify The Authorities — Call the police immediately. They will make an official record of the accident, which can bolster your claim later on. You can ask the California DMV or the police agency for the report later on.
• Obtain Witness Information — Get the names and contact details of any witnesses, if any. Their testimonies can verify your version of the incident.
• Seek Medical Care — See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Some injuries do not show up straight away. Medical records are also crucial in proving your injuries when filing a legal claim.
• Inform Your Insurance Company — Report the crash to your insurer, but don’t take responsibility for the accident. Refrain from accepting any settlement offers, signing anything, or giving a recorded statement without legal counsel.
• Contact Our Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys — Call (888) 488-1391 to talk to our knowledgeable attorneys for a free initial consultation. We will examine your case, deal with insurance providers, and assist you in submitting a personal injury claim. We are available to help you at every stage of the legal process.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Hit-And-Run Accident Statistics

ValuePenguin reports a drastic increase in fatal hit-and-runs between 2012 and 2021, surpassing the overall rise in fatal crashes during the same period.

2021 saw a total of 2,783 fatal crashes involving hit-and-runs, which was an 89.4% increase from the 1,469 incidents recorded in 2012. In comparison, the total number of fatal crashes of all types only rose by 27.4% over the same span.

The State of California recorded the highest percentage of fatal hit-and-runs nationwide, with 10.1% of its fatal accidents involving hit-and-runs. Pedestrians are most often the victims, accounting for more than 60% of these cases. From 2012 to 2021, 62.8% of fatal hit-and-run crashes involved pedestrians, and pedestrian deaths increased by 53.7% during this period.

Hit-and-run collisions 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.