Matias Perez – a hard-working busboy at Sol Grill in Newport Beach – was involved in a hit-and-run on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at around 11 p.m.
Perez was biking home from work when a car hit him from behind, throwing him from his bike and causing multiple injuries.
He currently has a broken hand and road rash on his face and other body parts.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Perez’ colleagues at Sol Grill so that people may donate some money for his medical needs, plus loss of income from not being able to work at both of his jobs. So far the page has raised over $5K.
Perez is also a longtime employee of Mutt Lynch’s in Newport Beach on the Peninsula.
Perez works six days a week and sends money home to his family in Mexico. The loss of his income and accruing medical bills will be extremely difficult, if not downright impossible, to regain, according to the GoFundMe page.
It is not unusual for back of house restaurant employees in Southern California to maintain several part-time jobs. They often decline the insurance benefits so they can keep more of their income.
Based on current data for California, here’s a breakdown of the estimated medical costs Matias Perez might face as an uninsured patient after his hit-and-run bike accident:
1. Emergency Room Visit
- Average ER visit cost (uninsured): $1,500–$3,00021
- Typical for moderate trauma (ESI Level 3): ~$2,700
2. Treatment for a Broken Hand
- Non-surgical treatment: $6,000–$7,000
- Surgical treatment (if needed): $7,000–$15,000+ 3
- Physical therapy (if required): $50–$75 per session, potentially totaling $500–$1,500
3. Road Rash and Wound Care
- Initial wound cleaning and dressing: $200–$1,000
- Follow-up visits and supplies: $300–$1,000
- Infection treatment (if complications arise): $500–$2,000+
4. Lost Income
- If Perez works two jobs, six days a week, and earns even a modest wage (e.g., $15/hour), missing 4–6 weeks of work could result in:
- Lost wages: $2,000–$4,000+
5. Total Estimated Out-of-Pocket Cost (Uninsured)
| Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| ER + Diagnostics | $2,000–$3,000 |
| Broken Hand Treatment | $6,000–$15,000 |
| Road Rash Care | $500–$2,000 |
| Physical Therapy | $500–$1,500 |
| Total Medical Costs | $9,000–$21,500+ |
| Lost Income | $2,000–$4,000+ |
| Grand Total | $11,000–$25,500+ |
These figures don’t include potential legal fees, transportation costs, or mental health support, which are often necessary after traumatic events like hit-and-runs.