Mercedes sedan crossed centre line and struck Kia SUV before Kumar fled in Oakdale
November 27, 2025 | Oakdale, CA
Authorities arrested Navin Sharma Kumar following a serious head-on collision that injured multiple individuals.
What Happened in the Crash?
Navin Kumar, 52, of Modesto, was arrested on felony DUI and hit-and-run charges after his Mercedes-Benz hit a Kia SUV on River Road in Oakdale.
The incident occurred on River Road when Kumar, driving a Mercedes-Benz sedan westbound, veered into oncoming traffic around 12:47 a.m. His vehicle collided with an eastbound Kia SUV. Both cars veered off the road, with one crashing into a tree in a nearby orchard.
- Date and Time: Early morning on Nov. 27, 2025, at approximately 12:47 a.m.
- Location: River Road, Oakdale, California.
- Vehicles Involved: Mercedes-Benz sedan, westbound, and Kia SUV, eastbound.
- Injuries: Two passengers in the Kia suffered severe injuries and were transported to Memorial Medical Center. The 17-year-old Kia driver sustained minor injuries.
- Driver Actions: Kumar fled the scene on foot, was picked up by a family member, and taken to a Modesto residence before his arrest.
After the crash, law enforcement apprehended Kumar at the Modesto home on charges including felony DUI, felony hit-and-run, and driving with a suspended license.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur in Cases Like This?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from drivers attempting to evade responsibility, particularly if impaired or unlicensed. According to the California Highway Patrol, such behaviors exacerbate the dangers on roadways.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Percentage of crashes involving hit-and-run drivers |
Approximately 11% |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Common reasons for fleeing the scene |
Intoxication, unlicensed driving, fear of arrest |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Annual hit-and-run incidents in the U.S. |
Over 2,000 fatalities |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
These figures underscore the prevalence and severity of hit-and-run crashes, highlighting the need for thorough investigations.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide perspective on navigating incidents involving impaired and fleeing drivers.
“In cases such as this, conducting an independent investigation is crucial to protect victims' rights and establish negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Factors like road conditions, signage, and lighting must be examined to ensure justice and fair compensation for those harmed.”
- Prompt legal review can uncover overlooked contributing factors in initial reports.
- Victims benefit from professional negotiation with insurers to avoid undervalued settlements.
- Comprehensive analysis supports claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, emphasized the broader impacts:
“Injuries from these crashes disrupt every facet of life, from family dynamics to financial stability. Hiring an attorney ensures victims receive the advocacy needed for equitable outcomes.”
Bond Legal's analysts stress the importance of professional guidance in pursuing personal injury claims without implying direct involvement in specific cases.
How Can Victims Pursue Justice?
Pending official investigations, affected parties may explore legal options for compensation.
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If you, a friend, or a family member has been injured by a hit-and-run or drunk driver, contact national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).