Early Saturday morning collision was at Calle Cesar Chavez and East Yanonali Street
SANTA BARBARA, CA, (August 03, 2024) - A pedestrian was injured and the motorist involved is facing criminal charges after a hit-and-run accident in Santa Barbara on Saturday.
Jehosafat Ocampo was charged with felony hit-and-run after allegedly striking and injuring a pedestrian early Saturday morning at an intersection in Santa Barbara.
According to the Santa Barbara Police Department, a speeding vehicle operated by 35-year-old Lompoc resident Jehosafat Ocampo struck a pedestrian at Calle Cesar Chavez and East Yanonali Street early in the morning. After impact, the vehicle continued on and smashed into a nearby building, causing a gas meter to rupture.
The victim sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Cottage Hospital for treatment.
Ocampo ran from the scene but was later apprehended and charged with felony hit-and-run injury, felony driving under the influence, and driving with a suspended license.
HIT-AND-RUN INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, but sadly statistics indicate that approximately 11 percent of all crashes involve a hit-and-run driver.
In most cases involving hit-and-runs, the at-fault drivers feel they can avoid the consequences of their actions if they leave the scene. However, a suspect will be charged when apprehended.
Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney, said in such cases is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney promptly to protect the rights of a victim.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Bond, a Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that must be fully considered. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has been injured by a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
The victim may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim, pending the investigation.
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, said, “Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.
"Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. That's where an attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes,” he added.
If you, a friend, or a family member have been injured at the hands of a hit-and-run or drunken driver, contact our national legal analysts Candice Bond and Stefano Formica for a free consultation for guidance
(Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for Newsline. 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).