In the early hours of Sunday, February 22, 2026, a serious hit-and-run crash left six people injured in midtown Sacramento. The incident, which occurred around 1:30 AM near 20th Street and P Street, has prompted an ongoing investigation by the Sacramento Police Department and raises important questions about victim rights when a driver flees the scene. Among the six injured, two were transported to the hospital with critical injuries, and one victim was ejected from the vehicle during the impact — a stark reminder of just how devastating these crashes can be.
When a driver chooses to flee rather than render aid, they leave behind not only physical harm but also a legal and emotional burden that victims and their families must navigate on their own. For those affected, understanding their rights and seeking experienced legal counsel can make all the difference in the road to recovery.
What Happened in the Hit-and-Run Crash
According to the Sacramento Police Department, the crash involved a sedan and a van. Investigators determined that the sedan struck the van during the collision, causing one occupant of the van to be ejected from the vehicle. Officers responded after receiving reports of the crash, but by the time they arrived, the sedan’s driver had already fled the scene on foot.
Sacramento Fire Department emergency personnel transported two victims to the hospital with critical injuries. Four additional victims were also hospitalized. Authorities confirmed that none of the injuries were considered life-threatening at the time of the report. The hit-and-run investigation remains active and ongoing.
The intersection of 20th Street and P Street sits in the heart of midtown Sacramento, a bustling area known for its restaurants, nightlife, and dense residential population. Late-night and early-morning hours in this part of the city can bring increased traffic activity, and crashes in this corridor can have serious consequences for both occupants and bystanders.
Investigators are working to identify the driver of the sedan, and authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the incident — including witnesses or those with surveillance footage from nearby businesses or residences — to contact the Sacramento Police Department. Cases like this one highlight the urgent need for accountability on California roads and the critical role that community cooperation plays in bringing hit-and-run drivers to justice.
Los peligros de los atropellos con fuga
Hit-and-run crashes are among the most troubling types of accidents on California roads. When a driver flees the scene, victims are left without immediate identification of the at-fault party, complicating the path to medical care coordination, insurance claims, and legal accountability. In California, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury is a serious criminal offense under Vehicle Code § 20001, punishable by imprisonment and significant fines.
The danger of vehicle ejection — as occurred in this crash — further underscores the severity of high-impact collisions. Ejection from a vehicle dramatically increases the risk of traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and other life-altering conditions, even when initial reports classify injuries as non-life-threatening.
Beyond the immediate physical toll, hit-and-run accidents carry a profound psychological impact on survivors and their families. Victims are often left grappling with trauma, anxiety, and a sense of injustice knowing that the person responsible made a deliberate choice to abandon them at the scene. The financial consequences can be equally overwhelming.
These includes emergency medical care, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and lost income can quickly accumulate into staggering costs, all while the at-fault driver remains unidentified. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, hit-and-run crashes have been on the rise across the United States, making it more important than ever for victims to be aware of their legal options and act quickly to protect their rights.
Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Hit-and-Run in California
If you or a loved one was injured in a hit-and-run accident in Sacramento, you may feel uncertain about your legal options when the at-fault driver has not been identified. The good news is that California law provides several avenues for injured victims to pursue compensation, even when the responsible party has fled.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: California law requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage, which can compensate hit-and-run victims for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering — even if the at-fault driver is never found.
Ongoing Investigation: Law enforcement may identify the suspect through surveillance footage, witness accounts, or physical evidence left at the scene. An identified driver opens additional avenues for a personal injury claim.
Third-Party Liability: In some cases, other parties — such as vehicle owners or employers — may share liability for the crash.
Navigating these options is complex, and working with an experienced personal injury attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. It is also important for hit-and-run victims to be mindful of California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims. In most cases, injured victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
While two years may seem like ample time, building a strong case requires early action — evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and surveillance footage is often overwritten within days. The sooner you consult with an attorney, the better positioned you will be to preserve critical evidence and pursue the full compensation you deserve. An attorney can also communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, protecting you from accepting a lowball settlement that fails to account for the long-term costs of your injuries.
How GJEL Accident Attorneys Can Help Hit-and-Run Victims
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we understand the confusion and fear that follows a hit-and-run crash. Victims are left dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain path to justice — often without knowing who caused the crash.
Hit-and-run accidents are particularly difficult for victims because the person responsible has chosen to run rather than take accountability. GJEL’s job is to cut through that uncertainty and make sure our clients get every dollar they’re entitled to — whether that means pursuing an uninsured motorist claim, tracking down the at-fault driver, or exploring every other avenue available under California law.
Our team has decades of experience representing accident victims throughout Northern California, including Sacramento. We handle all aspects of the legal process — from gathering evidence and working with investigators to negotiating with insurance companies and, when necessary, taking cases to trial. Importantly, GJEL works on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, and no fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Sacramento
If you are involved in a hit-and-run crash, the actions you take in the immediate aftermath can have a significant impact on your ability to recover compensation.
Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, internal injuries and traumatic brain injuries may not present symptoms right away. Getting prompt medical care also creates documentation of your injuries.
Call 911. Report the crash to law enforcement and ensure an official police report is filed. This documentation is critical for any future insurance claim or legal action.
Document the scene. If you are able, take photographs of the vehicles, your injuries, the surrounding area, and any debris left behind by the fleeing vehicle.
Gather witness information. Speak with anyone who may have seen the crash and collect their contact information. Witnesses can be invaluable in hit-and-run investigations.
Notify your insurance company. Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible, but avoid giving a recorded statement before speaking with an attorney.
Contact a personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can protect your rights, guide you through the claims process, and help ensure that evidence is preserved before it disappears.
Taking these steps not only protects your health and safety in the immediate aftermath of a crash, but also strengthens your ability to pursue compensation down the line. It is worth remembering that hit-and-run cases can move quickly — surveillance footage may be deleted, physical evidence can be lost, and witnesses may become harder to locate with each passing day.
Being proactive in the hours and days following the accident can be the difference between a successful claim and a missed opportunity for justice. If you are too injured to take these steps yourself, a trusted family member or friend can assist, and an attorney can step in to handle the investigative and legal legwork on your behalf.
Understanding Settlement Values in Hit-and-Run Accident Cases
When a hit-and-run accident results in serious injuries or fatalities, one of the most pressing concerns for victims and their families is understanding what their case may be worth. Hit-and-run settlement calculators are online tools designed to help accident victims get a preliminary estimate of the compensation they may be entitled to based on the specific details of their case.
These tools typically factor in key variables such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, the severity of injuries, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering and emotional distress. In fatal hit-and-run cases, additional factors such as funeral and burial costs, loss of future income, and loss of companionship — known as wrongful death damages — are also taken into account.
While settlement calculators can provide a helpful starting point for understanding the potential value of a claim, they are not a substitute for a thorough evaluation by an experienced personal injury attorney. Every case is unique, and an attorney can assess the full scope of your damages, account for factors that a calculator may not capture, and fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available under California law.
If you have been affected by a hit-and-run accident in Sacramento, using a settlement calculator alongside professional legal guidance can give you a clearer picture of your options and empower you to make informed decisions about your case.Call us now at +1-866-218-3776 to speak with our experts.
Actúa hoy: obtén la ayuda que mereces
“The people injured in this crash did nothing wrong — they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, and now they’re left dealing with painful injuries and unanswered questions while the driver who caused this walks free. That is deeply unfair, and it’s something our team takes personally. Whether the driver is identified or not, hit-and-run victims in California have real legal options, and you should not have to face this process alone. My advice to anyone hurt in this accident is simple: focus on your health, document everything you can, and speak with an attorney as soon as possible. At GJEL, we will listen to your story, explain your rights, and fight to make sure you are fully compensated for everything you’ve been put through. There is no cost to call us, and you will never owe us a fee unless we win your case.” — Andy Gillin, Managing Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one was injured in the February 22 hit-and-run crash near 20th Street and P Street, do not wait to get the legal help you deserve. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to justice — which is why we work exclusively on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay absolutely nothing upfront, and you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
No hidden fees, no out-of-pocket expenses, no financial risk to you. Our experienced team will handle every aspect of your claim — from investigating the crash and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers and fighting for maximum compensation in court if necessary. With a proven track record of recovering over $950 million for injured clients across Northern California, we have the resources, the experience, and the determination to go to bat for you.
Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. When a driver runs from the scene, GJEL makes sure they cannot run from accountability. At GJEL, we ensure that all evidence is properly preserved and that all potential sources of compensation are thoroughly investigated, allowing families to focus on healing. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney for a free legal consultation. Contact us at +1-866-218-3776 or visit our Oakland office to secure your future and compensation.
Recursos locales para las víctimas de accidentes en Sacramento
If you or someone you know was involved in this crash or another accident in the Sacramento area, the following resources may be of assistance:
Sacramento Police Department 5770 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95822 Non-Emergency: (916) 264-5471 | Emergency: 911 www.pd.cityofsacramento.org The Sacramento Police Department handles all traffic collision reports within city limits. Victims can request a copy of their official traffic collision report online or in person, which is a critical document for any insurance claim or legal proceeding.
Sacramento Fire Department 911 for emergencies | (916) 808-1300 (non-emergency) www.fire.cityofsacramento.org The Sacramento Fire Department provides emergency medical response and transport services throughout the city. If you were transported by SFD following the crash, you can request records of your emergency care through their administrative office.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Sacramento Division 601 N 7th St, Sacramento, CA 95811 (916) 861-1300 www.chp.ca.gov The CHP oversees traffic enforcement and collision investigations on state highways and freeways throughout California. They also maintain the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), a database of traffic collision data that can be useful in legal cases. Hit-and-run tips can be reported to CHP’s dispatch line or via the state’s tip hotline.
California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) 2208 Kausen Dr, Suite 300, Elk Grove, CA 95758 (916) 509-3030 www.ots.ca.gov The California OTS works to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries through education, enforcement, and research. Their website provides valuable resources on traffic safety laws, drunk driving prevention, and pedestrian and cyclist safety programs across California.
California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) 2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818 (800) 777-0133 www.dmv.ca.gov The DMV can provide vehicle registration and ownership information relevant to hit-and-run investigations. Victims and attorneys can also access information about SR-1 accident reporting requirements, which California law mandates when a collision results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) P.O. Box 3036, Sacramento, CA 95812 (800) 777-9229 www.victims.ca.gov CalVCB provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes, including hit-and-run accidents, to help cover expenses such as medical treatment, mental health counseling, lost wages, and funeral costs. Eligible victims can apply directly through their website or by contacting their office.
UC Davis Medical Center (Level I Trauma Center) 2315 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817 (916) 734-2011 www.ucdavis.edu/health UC Davis Medical Center is Sacramento’s premier Level I Trauma Center, equipped to handle the most severe accident-related injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and orthopedic trauma. It is one of only a few facilities in the region capable of providing the highest level of surgical and critical care.
Dignity Health – Mercy General Hospital 4001 J St, Sacramento, CA 95819 (916) 453-4545 www.dignityhealth.org/mercy-general Mercy General Hospital is a full-service acute care facility in Sacramento offering emergency services, surgical care, and rehabilitation. It serves as an important resource for accident victims requiring immediate medical attention and follow-up care.
California Department of Insurance (CDI) 300 Capitol Mall, Suite 1700, Sacramento, CA 95814 (800) 927-4357 www.insurance.ca.gov The CDI regulates insurance companies operating in California and can assist accident victims who are experiencing difficulties with insurance claims, including uninsured motorist claims arising from hit-and-run accidents. If you believe your insurer is acting in bad faith, the CDI accepts formal complaints and can intervene on your behalf.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Sacramento Chapter (877) 275-6233 www.madd.org MADD provides support, resources, and victim advocacy for those affected by impaired driving crashes. Their victim services team can connect survivors and families with local support groups, counseling referrals, and guidance through the criminal justice process.
