Vacaville, CA – According to CBS13, on Friday, October 4, 2024, 21-year-old Daniel Lopez was arrested in connection with a hit-and-run collision on Monday night, September 30, 2024, in which a 73-year-old man and his dog, Snowman, were seriously injured while crossing the street.
The accident occurred around 9:15 PM at the intersection of Browns Valley Road and Vacavalley Parkway. The victim and his dog were crossing the street in a marked crosswalk.
According to police, the elderly man was thrown onto the roadway upon impact, suffering a dislocated shoulder, along with fractures to his hip and femur, for which he underwent surgery. Snowman, the victim’s dog, was reportedly dragged under the vehicle for some distance before managing to escape. Despite his injuries, the dog limped to a nearby home, where he was eventually reunited with his family and is expected to see a full recovery.
The hit-and-run left the community on high alert, with police seeking information about the vehicle involved. On Friday, Vacaville police arrested Lopez in connection with the hit-and-run. Lopez was taken into custody and charged with felony hit-and-run resulting in injury. His vehicle was also recovered as evidence in the investigation.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the hit-and-run. It is not yet known when Lopez will appear in court.
Personal Injury Claims
Even if an accident doesn’t lead to criminal charges, victims can still file a Personal Injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can compensate victims for their medical costs, loss of income due to time taken off work, pain and suffering, and other damages.
However, insurance companies will always try to pay as little as possible, making it difficult for victims to receive the full amount they deserve. So, having an experienced personal injury attorney is essential to receive fair compensation.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
