Indio Hit-and-Run Injures Pedestrian Near Coachella Festival

Apr 17,2017

Police are searching for the suspect responsible for an Indio hit-and-run that happened near the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on Sunday. The pedestrian crash happened around 9 p.m. at the intersection of Avenue 51 and Monroe Street. Police say a woman was struck near the intersection and was hospitalized with moderate injuries.

Have You Seen Indio Hit-and-Run Suspect?

The suspect is driving a newer model white Toyota Tacoma with a TRD off-road package. The truck has front-end damage and is missing an emblem. After hitting the pedestrian, the driver took off west on Avenue 52. Anyone with information about the Indio hit-and-run should contact Indio Police at (760) 391-4000.

Hit-and-Run Cases are Difficult to Solve

Occasionally, a hit-and-run suspect will turn herself in, as was the case in last week’s bicycle crash in Riverside. However, this scenario isn’t very likely, and catching hit-and-run drivers is a difficult task for law enforcement. Unlike other crimes, the primary evidence—the vehicle—is gone in a hit-and-run crash.

Police really need witnesses to come forward and speak up about the hit-and-run. Unfortunately, bystanders often do not want to get involved in these incidents, so they fail to say anything. And after 48 hours, the chances of law enforcement catching the perpetrator dwindle.

What to do if you Witness a Hit-and-Run

If you witness a hit-and-run, here are 3 things you can do to help the victim:

Call 911 right away, and ask for medical assistance if anyone is injured.
If it is safe to approach the scene, do so with caution. Ask the victim(s) if they need your assistance. If you’re unsure what to do or if they say no, wait until paramedics arrive.
Provide your statement to the police when they arrive. They will need information such as:
1. Your name and contact information
2. Time and place of the incident
3. License plate of the hit-and-run vehicle, if you were able to get it
4. Vehicle description
5. Driver description
6. Details about the hit-and-run you witnessed

“It might seem inconvenient to some people to stick around and talk with police after witnessing an accident. But if you’re ever in a situation where you are the victim, you’ll greatly appreciate any witnesses who help you. Thus, it’s always best to help if you can,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.