Numerous Hit-and-Runs Reported Throughout the Bay Area

Hit-and-runs are particularly traumatic for car accident victims. First, these accidents often fail to provide much closure. Injured patients may feel frustrated and distressed with no one willing to accept accountability. Second, hit-and-runs pose distinct challenges for those pursuing compensation after car accidents. However, victims should not feel completely hopeless in these situations – especially with so many professionals ready to help. These include not only crash scene investigators but also auto accident lawyers in the Bay Area.

San Mateo Police Search for Motorist Who Fled Scene of Fatal Crash

In February of 2025, NBC News reported that a fatal hit-and-run had occurred in San Mateo. At around 9 PM, a 56-year-old pedestrian was struck and killed by an unknown vehicle. The driver promptly fled, leaving the victim with injuries that ultimately proved fatal. It seems as though police have little information to go on. There was no word about surveillance cameras that might have captured the incident – and officers are asking any witnesses to come forward.

The San Mateo Police Department also issued a statement to the driver who had caused this fatality, urging them to turn themselves in. The statement spoke of how heavy the burden of guilt can be for a driver who knowingly caused someone else’s death. Although this situation might seem hopeless, new evidence could completely change the trajectory of the investigation – and the family of this victim might soon experience justice.

Berkeley Professor Killed in Hit-and-Run Collision

At around the same time, a professor at UC Berkeley was killed in a hit-and-run collision. The Professor of Sociology had been working at the school for almost 50 years, and he was struck while crossing a street in Oakland. The victim’s hearing aid had reportedly become lodged in the windshield of the suspect’s vehicle after the crash, allowing police to make the arrest. The suspect is now facing charges of manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident.

This incident shows how effective investigators can be when searching for hit-and-run suspects. Even if the situation seems hopeless, unlikely forms of evidence can often lead police to the culprit. Similar cases have been solved when vehicles have been found with distinctive damage, paint scratches, or even the victims’ DNA. That said, the Oakland Police Department says that their investigation is still officially in progress.

New Technology Helps Police Track Down Hit-and-Run Suspect in Emeryville

In February of 2025, another effective investigation led to the arrest of a hit-and-run suspect in the Emeryville area. Police say that a woman was walking in a parking lot when she was struck from behind. The driver responsible for the collision fled, leaving the woman on the ground with serious injuries. Police say that the suspect was driving at an “accelerated rate of speed” despite being in a parking lot. The woman was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but managed to survive.

Fortunately, the suspect did not get very far after attempting to flee down Shellmound Street. Local police relied on advanced license plate reader cameras to identify the suspect’s vehicle, and he was quickly located. These cameras even provided officers with an image of the driver. A few hours after the collision, the suspect was arrested for fleeing the scene of an accident involving a serious injury.

This incident shows that with new technology, police are able to apprehend more hit-and-run drivers than ever before. This should provide hope to all victims of hit-and-runs, and it may be even easier to locate these negligent motorists in the future. For insurance reasons, locating the person responsible for your injuries is important in California.

That being said, technology doesn’t always make the difference in these investigations. Sometimes, witness testimony can help victims track down hit-and-run motorists. It may be helpful to gather contact information from anyone who saw your hit-and-run, as they may help you track down the motorist.

Can a Bay Area Auto Accident Lawyer Help After a Hit-and-Run?

An experienced auto accident attorney in the Bay Area may be able to help after a hit-and-run. While it is true that California’s “at-fault” car accident laws require you to locate the person responsible for your accident, a lawyer can help you explore alternative options for compensation. Do not give up hope until you have spoken with an experienced injury attorney. Contact our team at Mary Alexander & Associates today to get started with an action plan.