Our study, “The 75 Deadliest Counties for Hit and Run Accidents in the United States,” revealed that Kern County, California — along with several other prominent CA counties — ranked within the top 20 U.S. counties for fatal hit and run accidents per 100,000 residents throughout the country. Bakersfield Now has recently picked up the story, and criminal defense attorney Chris Chaney joined to provide commentary and legal insight.
What The Study From The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Revealed About Fatal Hit and Run Accidents in Several California Counties
The study, “The 75 Deadliest Counties for Hit and Run Accidents in the United States” ranked the top U.S. counties where fatal hit and run accidents are most common. These findings were based on data collected over a several year period, from 2018 to 2022. It was revealed that Kern County, Fresno County, Merced County, and Stanislaus County all ranked in the top 20. Kern County, specifically ranked #14, while Fresno County, Merced County, and Stanislaus County ranked #15, #16, and #19 respectively.
Though Bakersfield in Kern County doesn’t border the other counties mentioned above, the study highlights the prevalence of these types of fatal accidents across the state of California.
Possible Causes of Hit and Run Accidents in California
When asked about what’s causing so many hit and run accidents in these CA counties, criminal defense attorney Chris Chaney offered up several possible answers: “You take into account the issues with the pedestrian crosswalks, for example, the dangers in open streets,” he told Bakersfield Now. “Street racing is another big issue that we see. All of those things are factors in hit and runs.”
Another factor that was important to bring up was the rate in which these hit and runs get reported. According to Chaney, “A lot of hit and runs don’t get reported.”
California Highway Patrol Officer, D.C. Williams echoed this sentiment, stating that many of these hit and runs occur at night and as such, drivers fail to stop because they believe they hit an animal rather than a person.
Hit and Run Penalties You Could be Facing Under California Law
Hit and runs are treated harshly under California law. Even if you didn’t cause the crash, you can still be charged under California’s Vehicle Code 20002 and 20001. Per state law, all drivers involved in a hit and run are required to stop, provide identifying information (including in the form of a note), and offer reasonable help if other drivers are injured. Failing to do so could lead to either misdemeanor or felony hit and run charges, depending on the details of your case. Convictions can lead to jail or prison time, monetary fines, probation, license revocation and a permanent criminal record. These penalties are harsh — and they can turn what was supposed to be a routine drive into a life-altering situation.
Contact the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney if You Were Arrested for a Hit and Run in California
Not only does this study reveal the prevalence of fatal hit and runs in the state of California, but it also highlights the importance of hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney when facing these types of charges.
The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney provides aggressive hit and run defense to residents of California, including Los Angeles and nearby cities. Just because you didn’t cause the accident, doesn’t mean you won’t be facing the harsh penalties that go along with a hit and run. Don’t delay — contact our firm today for a free consultation: 818-330-5198.
Watch the full interview here: Kern County ranks 14th in national study of fatal hit-and-runs, sparking local concern
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
