SELMA, Fresno County, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 — A two-vehicle crash on State Route 43 at E Davis Avenue left at least one person injured on Monday midday, September 28, according to the California Highway Patrol. The agency logged the collision as a felony hit-and-run.
A white Chevrolet Sonic and a black SUV collided on SR-43 near E Davis Avenue just after noon. The crash was initially classified as a collision with no injuries, then upgraded to a report of injuries and an ambulance en route.
Officers logged the incident under the felony hit-and-run statute, indicating one of the drivers reportedly left the scene before officers arrived. At least one minor injury was reported, though the extent of any injuries has not been publicly detailed.
Investigators requested a tow for one of the vehicles and reported a traffic hazard in the area while the scene was cleared. It is not known whether the fleeing driver has been identified or located. The CHP has not released further details, and the crash remains under investigation.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
When Hit-and-Run Crashes on Highways Like SR-43 Tend to Happen
Hit-and-run collisions cluster around the middle of the day and the evening commute on busy state routes, when traffic volume is high, and drivers are more likely to be distracted, rushing, or unlicensed and uninsured. Midday crashes at intersections with highway on-ramps, like a state route crossing a local avenue, often involve a driver misjudging a gap or running a signal, then fleeing rather than stopping to exchange information.
Fleeing drivers are more common when a driver fears consequences beyond the crash itself, such as an outstanding warrant, an expired license, or a lack of insurance. That calculation does not change much by time of day, but opportunity does. Rural and semi-rural stretches of highway, with fewer cameras and fewer witnesses, make it easier for a driver to leave without being quickly tracked down.
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 statistic indicates who bears the highest cost when a driver fails to stop, even in a crash between two vehicles with no pedestrian involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does speed change how serious a crash turns out to be?
Yes. Higher speed means more force at impact and less time for either driver to react, so injuries tend to be more serious as speed increases, even in otherwise similar crashes.
Why is distracted driving treated as such a serious risk?
Taking eyes or attention off the road for even a few seconds removes the reaction time a driver needs to brake or steer away from a hazard, which is often the difference between a near miss and a collision.
How much do weather and road surface matter in a crash like this?
Wet pavement, glare, or poor visibility can reduce traction and reaction time, but many crashes, including this one, happen in clear conditions where driver error or a decision to flee is the larger factor.
What should someone do right after being in a car accident?
Move to a safe spot if possible, check for injuries, call 911, and exchange information with the other driver. If the other vehicle leaves the scene, try to note its description, direction of travel, and any partial plate information for the report.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Selma, CA
If you're involved in a hit-and-run in Selma, stay at the scene and call 911 right away, even if injuries seem minor. Write down or photograph anything you remember about the other vehicle, including color, make, direction it fled, and any partial license plate.
See a doctor promptly, even if you feel fine at the scene. Some injuries, especially to the neck, back, or head, aren't obvious right away. Keep copies of the police report and any medical records, and follow up with the CHP if you learn new information that could help identify the driver who left.
