Uber Driver Killed in Hit-and-run Crash in Salinas; Juan Gonzalez Arrested for Felony Hit-and-Run
Salinas, Calif. – A 53-year-old Uber driver was killed and a passenger was critically injured after being struck by a hit-and-run driver at an intersection in Salinas late Sunday night, according to Salinas Police.
The deadly accident happened at about 11:41 p.m. near the intersection of North Sanborn Road and Freedom Parkway.
Officers responded to the scene and located two vehicles at the scene – one had two occupants and the other was empty.
The driver of the occupied vehicle sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. He has been identified by the Monterey County Sheriff's Office as Jorge Vasquez Topete, 53, of Salinas.
The passenger was critically injured and was taken to Natividad Medical Center.
The other driver, identified as 27-year-old Juan Manuel Gonzalez, fled the scene following the crash.
The suspect was arrested Monday morning and booked for vehicular manslaughter, felony hit-and-run driving without a license, violation of probation, and vandalism.
His bail was set at $57,900.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Topete was an Uber driver and the passenger was receiving a ride through the Rideshare app at the time of the incident.
Police say Gonzalez was speeding and ran a red light, leading to the collision.
The incident remains under investigation.
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What To Do Immediately After A Car Accident
The aftermath of a car accident can be a traumatizing and disorienting experience. It is therefore important to stay calm and prioritize your safety and that of those involved in the crash. Below is a step-by-step guide on what to do to navigate the aftermath of a crash and protect your interests.
- Stay calm and check on injuries. – Calmly assess yourself for injuries before making sure everyone else is okay.
- Prioritize safety – Move your vehicle to a safe location and activate the hazard lights to alert other drivers. Exit the vehicle to avoid the risk of secondary collisions.
- Contact the police and emergency services – Call the police as soon as possible and ask for an ambulance if anyone has been injured. The police will document the incident and prepare a report of the incident.
- Exchange information – Exchange contact and insurance information with all the involved parties. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information as well.
- Document the accident- Take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to vehicles, license plates, and the surrounding area. Keep copies of the police report, medical bills, injury treatment plans, and any other documents related to the accident.
- Do not admit fault – Provide accurate information to the police and don't talk with the other parties' insurance companies before speaking to your attorney. Also, avoid signing any documents without a clear understanding of their implications.
- Contact your insurance company – Notify your insurance company as soon as possible and provide them with accurate information about the accident.
- Seek medical treatment – It is advisable to seek medical attention regardless of the severity of your injuries since some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Call a car accident lawyer – A personal injury attorney will help you understand your legal options and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary.