A hit-and-run collision in Stockton left two pedestrians hospitalized Thursday evening, highlighting ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in the area. The incident occurred on Poplar Street near Madison Street at approximately 9:00 p.m. on June 5, 2025, according to the Stockton Police Department.
Details of the Stockton Hit-and-Run Incident
Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find a man and a woman who had been struck by a vehicle. Both victims sustained injuries and were immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment. The extent of their injuries remains unknown at this time.
The driver behind the collision fled the scene before police arrived, making this a hit-and-run case under investigation by Stockton authorities. Police have not released information about the suspect vehicle or any potential witnesses.
The Poplar Street and Madison Street intersection is a busy area that sees significant pedestrian traffic throughout the day and evening. Investigators are likely reviewing any available surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras to identify the fleeing vehicle.
The Stockton Police Department has not indicated whether the pedestrians were in a crosswalk at the time of impact or if any traffic control devices were at the location.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Laws in California
California Vehicle Code Section 20001 requires drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death to remain at the scene. Fleeing the scene of an accident with injuries is a felony offense that can result in:
- Up to four years in state prison
- Fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000
- Driver’s license suspension
- Restitution payments to victims
Your Rights as a Hit-and-Run Victim
If you or a loved one becomes a victim of a hit-and-run accident, you have several legal options available:
Immediate Steps to Take
Contact emergency services immediately, even if injuries seem minor. If safely possible, document the scene with photos and gather contact information from any witnesses. Report the incident to the police as soon as possible, as this creates an official record of the crash.
Insurance Coverage Options
Many hit-and-run victims don’t realize they may have coverage through their insurance policies. Uninsured motorist coverage can provide compensation when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or located. This coverage typically includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages.
It’s important to understand that you can seek compensation even if the hit-and-run driver is never found. California law protects victims through various avenues, including potential claims against property owners if unsafe conditions contributed to the accident, or through state victim compensation programs for violent crimes. Additionally, if you were a passenger in a vehicle during the hit-and-run, you may have claims against multiple insurance policies, including those of the car you were in.
Pedestrian Safety in Stockton
The Poplar Street and Madison Street area has seen pedestrian accidents in the past, raising questions about traffic safety measures and lighting conditions. Pedestrians in California have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks and at intersections, but drivers don’t always respect these rules.
Stockton has improved pedestrian safety through various initiatives, including enhanced crosswalk markings, improved street lighting, and traffic calming measures in high-risk areas. However, pedestrian fatalities and injuries remain a significant concern throughout San Joaquin County. The city encourages pedestrians to wear bright or reflective clothing during evening hours, make eye contact with drivers before crossing, and avoid distractions like cell phones while walking near traffic.
Common Factors in Pedestrian Accidents
Poor lighting conditions, especially during evening hours, significantly increase accident risk. Distracted driving, including cell phone use, remains a leading cause of pedestrian strikes. Impaired driving, whether from alcohol or drugs, also contributes to serious pedestrian accidents.
Seeking Legal Help After a Hit-and-Run
Hit-and-run cases present unique challenges for victims and their families. Without an identified at-fault driver, recovering compensation becomes more complex. An experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate insurance claims and explore all available options for financial recovery.
Our legal team understands the complexities of hit-and-run cases and works diligently to protect victims’ rights. We investigate accidents thoroughly, work with law enforcement, and fight for maximum compensation through available insurance coverage. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing accident victims throughout California.
Investigation Continues
The Stockton Police Department continues investigating this hit-and-run incident. Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact local authorities immediately. Witness testimony and surveillance footage often prove crucial in identifying hit-and-run drivers.
Police investigators will also examine physical evidence from the scene, including any vehicle debris, paint transfer, or tire marks that could help identify the make and model of the suspect vehicle.
If initial leads don’t produce results, the department may issue public appeals for information, and they often work with local media to distribute any available vehicle descriptions or surveillance images. Hit-and-run investigations can remain active for years, as new evidence or witness accounts sometimes emerge long after the initial incident.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Settlement Values
Hit-and-run accident settlement calculators can provide victims with an initial estimate of their potential compensation. However, these tools should be used cautiously as starting points rather than definitive valuations. To generate estimated settlement ranges, these calculators typically factor in medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
However, hit-and-run cases involve unique complexities that generic calculators cannot account for, such as uninsured motorist coverage limits, difficulty identifying at-fault parties, and the specific circumstances surrounding the fleeing driver.
An experienced attorney can provide more accurate assessments by evaluating all available insurance policies, the severity of injuries, long-term medical needs, and the specific legal strategies that may maximize recovery in your particular case. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the experts.
Moving Forward
“Hit-and-run accidents leave victims feeling abandoned and overwhelmed, but you don’t have to face this alone,” says Andy Gillin, founding partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys. “Even when the driver flees the scene, California law provides pathways to recovery through your insurance coverage and other legal options. The most important thing is to focus on your healing while we handle the complex legal work. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim or rush you into a quick settlement – you deserve full compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and the trauma you’ve endured. Time is critical in these cases, so please reach out to us immediately so we can protect your rights and start building the strongest possible case for you and your family.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Stockton or anywhere in California, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case and explain your legal options.
Time limits apply to personal injury claims, so acting quickly is essential. Let our experienced team handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery.
Compassionate GJEL accident attorneys are always available to discuss your case, and you pay nothing unless we win. Let our experienced legal team shoulder the legal burden while you focus on what matters most – your family’s healing and recovery. Contact us at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Stockton office for free legal advice.
Additional Resources and Contacts
Stockton Police Department
If you have information about this hit-and-run incident or need to file a police report:
- Emergency: 911
- Non-Emergency Line: (209) 937-8377
- Traffic Division: (209) 937-8428
- Address: 22 E. Market Street, Stockton, CA 95202
- Online Reporting: Available for non-injury accidents at stocktonca.gov
- Victim Services: (209) 937-8167
San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office
For incidents outside Stockton city limits:
- Main Line: (209) 468-4400
- Traffic Services: (209) 468-4425
- Address: 7000 Michael Canlis Blvd, French Camp, CA 95231
- Website: sjgov.org/sheriff
San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG)
Regional transportation planning and safety initiatives:
- Phone: (209) 235-0600
- Address: 555 E. Weber Avenue, Stockton, CA 95202
- Website: sjcog.org
- Traffic Safety Programs: Information available on Vision Zero initiatives and pedestrian safety
California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Stockton Area
For highway-related incidents and traffic safety information:
- Stockton CHP Office: (209) 948-4800
- Address: 1625 W. March Lane, Stockton, CA 95207
- Online Services: chp.ca.gov for traffic incident reports and safety resources
Victim Compensation Resources
Services: Financial assistance for medical bills, lost wages, and other crime-related expenses
California Victim Compensation Board: 1-800-777-9229
Website: victims.ca.gov
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.