A 21-year-old woman was critically injured after a hit-and-run collision in Hanford on a Wednesday morning, September 6, 2023.
The Hanford Police Department responded to reports of the incident around 6:00 a.m., along the area of Lacey Boulevard and 9 ¼ Avenue.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene with the victim suffering from major injuries and in critical condition. She was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital to be treated.
Police then began the search around 7:00 a.m. for a Kia Soul with moderate frontal damage in the area of Douty Street and Fifth Street.
It was then discovered that the vehicle was registered and driven by Rodney M. He was arrested a week after the incident and was booked into the Kings County jail.
Initial investigation revealed that the dark-tinted windows of the Kia were the primary cause of the collision due to poor visibility.
The Hanford Police Department is investigating the incident further, and officials are urging anyone with information regarding the accident to contact them.
Award-Winning Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers in Hanford, Kings County
It is beneficial and ideal to seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney if you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident due to another person’s negligence.
Our experienced hit-and-run accident lawyers provide free initial consultations where 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 our award-winning Kings County hit-and-run attorneys in Arash Law, under Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help you with your insurance claim or represent you in court proceedings effectively. We have recovered more than $500 Million for California clients and are widely acknowledged for its success and reputation as one of California’s leading personal injury law firms.
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.
8 Steps to Take After A Hit-And-Run Accident
Thinking clearly after a car accident can be challenging, especially when other drivers flee the scene. However, It is vital to realize that the words you use and the actions you take can significantly impact the outcome of your lawsuit, whether you were the injured victim or the family of a killed loved one. To maximize the value of your injury claim, follow these recommendations:
- Prioritize Getting Help: Get immediate medical attention and contact the authorities if you are involved in the accident.
- Do Not Admit or Accept Fault: Refrain from admitting or stating anything about the accident that can harm your case, as this may affect your ability to receive compensation.
- Avoid Making Statements: Avoid making unnecessary statements about the incident without consulting an attorney. These statements could be used against you in legal proceedings.
- Gather Potential Evidence: Gather all the necessary information you need on the scene, take pictures, take the identification of the others involved, plate numbers, and reports recorded by authorities.
- Do Not Settle: Avoid settling negotiations directly with the perpetrator, which could result in lower compensation. It’s essential to clearly understand the extent of the damages before considering any settlement offers through a legal team.
- Never Sign Without Consultation: Only sign documents with an attorney present or after consulting one to protect you and your rights to be exercised fully.
- Work with a California Pedestrian Accident Attorney: Work with an experienced California pedestrian accident lawyer to help you navigate the legal process and receive fair compensation.
Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics
Leaving the scene of an accident without rendering aid or reporting it is a criminal offense in the United States.
In 2015, there were 737,100 documented hit-and-run accidents in the US, which equates to about one accident every 43 seconds, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Hit-and-run incidents claimed the lives of 2,049 people in 2016, a record number. The California Department of Motor Vehicles reports that 2,948 hit-and-run incidents resulted in 3,056 fatalities from 2010 to 2019. These statistics reveal a significantly higher incidence of such occurrences than in other states.