A woman sustained minor injuries after being struck and sexually assaulted by an unidentified driver in Palmdale on Sunday afternoon, June 11, 2023. According to the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station, the incident occurred around 2:37 p.m. at 10th Street East and Avenue South. The report said the woman had been walking on the opposite side of the street when the suspect in his car said something to her that she couldn’t comprehend. Subsequently, the suspect deliberately hit her from behind with his vehicle, causing her to fall. According to Lt. Steve Sgrignoli, the suspect exited his vehicle and physically lifted her while inappropriately touching her private areas over her clothing. As the victim fell to the ground, she scratched the suspect, prompting him to enter his vehicle and depart from the scene. The woman sustained injuries to her right knee and leg, and paramedics placed her on a stretcher to transport her to a hospital for medical care. Sgrignoli mentioned that the investigation is still in progress. In the event of the suspect’s arrest, he could face charges of sexual battery and attempted kidnapping.
Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles County
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run incident in California, there are options available to seek compensation. You can pursue a claim with your insurance provider or take legal action. It is crucial to contact a skilled hit-and-run attorney in California if you or a loved one has experienced substantial injuries or damages due to someone else’s negligence.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Despite the driver in the accident leaving the scene, there are still ways to seek them. By taking appropriate actions, you assist enforcement in locating and apprehending the individual and strengthen your case if you decide to pursue a legal claim for damages. The following guidelines provide a framework for the steps to take following a hit-and-run accident:
- Seek immediate medical assistance: It is important not to postpone seeking medical attention, even if you feel fine. Make it a priority to see a doctor promptly if you have sustained significant injuries.
- Report to the police: Immediately report the details to the police and obtain a copy of the accident report from the police station or the California DMV.
- Notify your insurance company: Notify your private insurance company promptly about the hit-and-run accident.
- Gather accident scene data: Collect as much information as possible from the accident scene, including the license plate number, make, model, and color of the vehicle involved.
- Obtain witness information: Assemble potential witnesses’ contact information (names and numbers) and gather this information quickly.
- Consult a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer: Before accepting any settlement offers from other insurance providers, it is advisable to consult with a hit-and-run accident lawyer.
I HAD AN ACCIDENT
Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics
According to data provided by the Governors Highway Safety Association, there was a significant decrease of 14% in overall traffic accident fatalities between 2007 and 2016. However, during the same period, there was a troubling increase of 27% in pedestrian fatalities, indicating a concerning trend of rising injuries and deaths of pedestrians caused by vehicles. In 2012, California witnessed many pedestrian fatalities and injuries resulting from car accidents, with 809 deaths and 14,000 injuries. This pattern raises serious concerns and calls for immediate attention. Statistics from 2016 reveal that over 6,000 individuals lost their lives in traffic accidents throughout the United States, averaging approximately 88 deaths per minute. Additionally, the following year saw about 137,000 injured individuals requiring ambulance transportation to hospitals.