Pedestrian and Dog Injured in Hit-and-Run Incident in Richmond

A hit-and-run incident involving a pedestrian and a dog occurred this morning in Richmond, leaving both injured. The incident took place at approximately 9:59 AM on December 4, 2024, near the PETS Referral Center located at 1048 University Ave. The pedestrian was crossing the crosswalk when a vehicle struck them and their dog before fleeing the scene.

Emergency services were promptly notified, and units were dispatched to the location. The pedestrian, who sustained injuries, indicated that they would seek medical attention at the emergency room after ensuring their dog received necessary care. The severity of the injuries is currently unknown, but the incident has been classified as a hit-and-run with injuries by the California Highway Patrol.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist in identifying the vehicle involved. Pedestrians are advised to exercise caution when crossing streets, and drivers are reminded of their responsibility to remain at the scene in the event of an accident. Our thoughts are with the injured pedestrian and their pet during this difficult time.

Potential Legal Considerations

When someone is hurt because another person was careless, it’s called negligence. In a situation where a person is injured, the victim has the right to seek compensation. This means they can ask for money to help cover things like medical bills and other costs related to the incident. To prove negligence, the victim must show that the other person had a duty to be careful, did not act carefully, and that this lack of care directly caused the injury.

In cases of personal injury, victims can often file a claim with the insurance company of the person who caused the harm. This is because most people have insurance that covers accidents. The insurance company might pay for the victim’s medical expenses and other losses. However, sometimes insurance companies try to pay less than what the victim deserves, so it’s important for victims to know their rights and possibly get help from a lawyer.

Victims should also be aware that there are time limits for filing claims, known as statutes of limitations. If they wait too long, they might not be able to get any compensation at all. It’s important for victims to act quickly and gather evidence, like photos and witness statements, to support their case. This can help ensure they receive the compensation they need to recover and move forward.