A pedestrian who was fatally injured in a hit-and-run collision on the Interstate 80 near Watt Avenue in Sacramento the morning of May 18, 2010 has been identified as 50-year-old Adan Brock. According to news reports, Brock was struck by a Mercedes SUV that fled the scene of the crash. He was thrown to the center divide and found dead when officials arrived. Police are looking for the suspect driver and vehicle, which they believe is a silver, 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG SUV. If you have information about the vehicle or the driver, please call CHP officials at 916-443-HELP.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Alan Brock for their terrible loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Hit-and-Run Collisions

According to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California in 2008. A majority of these car accidents involved injuries. There were 247 deaths in 2008 and 243 in 2004 involving hit-and-run collisions.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

Leaving the scene of an accident or hit-and-run is a serious crime under California law. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: "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."

In this particular case, the driver of the Mercedes, when apprehended, will likely face felony hit-and-run charges even if it is determined that Brock was at fault for this collision. Motorists have a duty and a responsibility under the law to remain at the scene of the crash until authorities arrive, exchange information with the other parties and most importantly get help for the injured victim.

An experiencedSacramento personal injury lawyer, will advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims and their families about how their car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run crash or a collision involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

What concerns you the most about hit-and-run crashes? Please share your thoughts with us.

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.