Available 
PERRIS, Riverside County, Calif., Oct. 1, 2026 — One driver was hospitalized Tuesday afternoon, September 30, after a hit-and-run crash on 13th Street at North Drive in Perris, the California Highway Patrol said. The agency reported one vehicle ran a stop sign and struck another vehicle traveling eastbound.
According to CHP traffic logs, the crash was reported shortly after 1:40 p.m. near the intersection of 13th Street and North Drive. Fire crews confirmed they were responding within minutes of the initial call.
The injured driver was taken from the scene by ambulance to a hospital in Menifee, according to the CHP log. The log describes the vehicle as released to the registered owner's next of kin, noting the keys were left inside and a front door panel was missing, details that suggest the car may have sustained damage consistent with the reported impact.
Officers searched the surrounding area for the second vehicle, which fled before officers arrived. No description of that vehicle or its driver has been released.
The crash remains under investigation, and anyone with information has reportedly been asked to contact the CHP. We hope the injured driver recovers fully.
When Hit-and-Run Crashes Happen Most Often
Hit-and-run crashes cluster around certain conditions more than others. Afternoon and evening hours, when traffic is heavier and intersections see more conflicting movements, produce a steady share of these incidents. Drivers who run stop signs or red lights often do so during busy commute windows, when a moment of distraction or impatience meets cross traffic.
Darkness plays a role too. Fleeing drivers may believe poor lighting or fewer witnesses make it easier to leave the scene unnoticed. Weekend nights and holidays also see upticks, often tied to impairment, when a driver who has been drinking panics and drives away instead of stopping.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 70 percent of people killed in hit-and-run crashes were pedestrians and bicyclists in 2023. That figure points to how exposed people outside a vehicle are when a driver decides not to stop, regardless of what hour the crash happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do if they're involved in a hit-and-run crash?
Stay at the scene if it's safe to do so, call 911, and try to note any details about the fleeing vehicle, such as color, make, or partial plate number. Seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor.
What injuries are common in intersection crashes like this one?
Side-impact and T-bone collisions at intersections often cause head, neck, and chest injuries, along with broken bones. Seatbelts and airbags reduce severity but don't eliminate risk, especially at higher speeds.
What usually causes crashes at stop-sign intersections?
Running the stop sign, misjudging the other driver's speed, and distraction are the most common factors. Poor visibility from obstructions or low light can also contribute.
Does speed make a difference in how severe a crash is?
Yes. Higher speeds increase both the force of impact and the distance needed to stop, which raises the likelihood of serious injury even in a routine intersection crash.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Perris, CA
If you're involved in or witness a hit-and-run, call 911 right away and give dispatchers your location and any details you can about the other vehicle. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical provider, since some injuries don't show symptoms immediately.
Document the scene if you're able: photos of vehicle damage, the intersection, and any skid marks can help investigators later. File a report with local police or the CHP as soon as possible, and keep a copy for your records. If you saw the crash happen, investigators may want your account even if you weren't involved directly.
