[08-26-2024] Child injured after hit-and-run accident in Berkeley

A male driver rammed a stroller with a child inside and fled the scene of the accident in Berkeley on Monday morning, August 26, 2024.

According to Berkeley police, the incident occurred around 8:15 a.m. at the intersection of Alcatraz Avenue and Dover Street.

Authorities said the driver fled southbound on Dover Street after the collision. The pedestrian accompanying the stroller was uninjured, but the child was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

There is no confirmed description of the vehicle involved and the age of the child has not been disclosed.

The roads have been cleared and the investigation is ongoing. No further information is available at this time.

Renowned hit-and-run lawyers in Berkeley, CA

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence, it is essential to seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney. Our reputable hit-and-run lawyers offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case, clarify the legal path, and identify key factors that could affect the compensation you are entitled to.

At Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our award-winning Berkeley hit-and-run accident lawyers are committed to providing reliable legal advice and effective representation in both insurance claims and litigation. As one of the most respected and largest personal injury law firms in California, we have won over $500 million in compensation for accident victims and their families. In addition, we can help you obtain the information or police report you need.

To speak with one of our experienced attorneys, 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 Berkeley, CA?

If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident, there are certain steps you can take to protect your right to compensation. These steps will not only help authorities track down the fleeing driver, but will also strengthen your claim for compensation. These steps include:

1. Move to a safe location. If possible, move yourself or your vehicle to a safe location to avoid further collision or injury.
2. Stay calm. Stay at the scene of the accident and make sure everyone is OK. Check yourself for injuries first, then check others. Stay calm and don't admit blame.
3. Gather as much information as you can while you're at the scene of the accident. Depending on your situation, you may be able to write down the car's license plate number, as well as the make, model, and color of the vehicle. If you can't write down this information, you should at least try to take a few photos of the car (perhaps with your cell phone).
4. Call the police as soon as possible. The sooner you report the accident to the authorities, the sooner they can arrest the driver. Also, calling the police will create an accident report. Within a few days, you can request an accident report from the police station that recorded the accident or from the California DMV. This report will help you later when making a claim.
5. Make a note of the names and contact details of all witnesses. You must remember that people who witness an accident may stay to check on your condition, but once the police and ambulance arrive, they may quickly disappear. You should make a note of their names and phone numbers as soon as possible. Witnesses can play a crucial role. For example, a witness could confirm that another vehicle collided with your car.
6. Seek immediate medical attention. You must see a doctor as soon as possible to be examined for your injuries. A doctor's visit will also create a record of your injuries. You must follow your doctor's treatment plan while you get better.
7. Report the accident to your own insurance company. While you should do this as soon as possible, you must stick to the facts. You do not have to admit or admit fault. Additionally, you should not give a recorded statement or agree to a settlement agreement until you have spoken to a California hit-and-run lawyer about your case.
8. Consult experienced California hit and run lawyers. They can help you navigate the legal process and maximize your chances of receiving compensation.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Hit and run accident statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 737,100 hit-and-run accidents reported in the United States in 2015, which equates to approximately one incident every 43 seconds.

From 2012 to 2021, the number of hit-and-runs has increased significantly. In 2021, there were 2,783 fatal hit-and-run accidents, an increase of 89.4% from the 1,469 incidents recorded in 2012. Over the last decade, the number of fatal accidents has increased by 27.4%, highlighting the urgent need for improved road safety measures.

Hit-and-runs accounted for 7.0% of all fatal crashes in 2021, an increase of 48.7% from 2012 (4.7%). California had the highest share of fatal hit-and-run crashes over the decade at 10.1%, followed by Nevada (8.5%) and New Mexico (7.8%). In addition, more than 60% of fatal hit-and-run crashes involved pedestrians, underscoring the urgent need to improve pedestrian safety and address the troubling rise in fatal hit-and-run crashes.