A bicyclist who has died as a result of injuries he suffered in a Newport Beach car accident has been identified by police as 49-year-old Donald Murphy. The fatal hit-and-run accident occurred the morning of December 9, 2009 on northbound Jamboree Road near Ford Road, The Orange County Register reports. The driver, who was later identified as Patricia Ann Izquieta, 37, made an "unsafe turning maneuver" and struck Murphy. Izquieta apparently dragged the bicycle and the victim under her car, police officials said. She was stopped and arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run shortly after the crash.

Bicycle Accident Proves Fatal

The fatal bicycle accident apparently occurred when Murphy was riding with his cycling buddies. Immediately after the accident one of his cycling partners and a passer by, Casey Jennings, helped administer CPR to Murphy until he was transported to a trauma unit. He remained in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries later.

I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Murphy. In my mind, there is no question that here was a man who was doing something he loved and was struck and killed by a negligent driver. Tragic! Murphy and his family will certainly remain in my thoughts and prayers.

California Hit-and-Run Law

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime in California. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

There is no mention of whether alcohol or drugs were involved here. Still, police say Izquieta could face vehicular manslaughter for her reckless driving. At this point, it would really be in the best interest of Murphy's family to retain the services of an experienced Newport Beach personal injury lawyer, who will make sure their legal rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation for the tremendous losses they have suffered.

Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims can file wrongful death claims seeking compensation to cover funeral expenses, loss of earnings, loss of love and companionship, pain and suffering and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and/or their families.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.