Lucas Giaconelli, 15, sustained fatal injuries in a San Diego car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while skateboarding the evening of January 29, 2010. 10news reports that the fatal pedestrian accident occurred when Lucas was skateboarding with his friends near the intersection of Thibodo Road and Edna Way in Vista. A Toyota Camry, which was traveling at a high rate of speed, struck Lucas from behind and then fled the scene of the crash. The teenager was taken to an area hospital, but did not survive his injuries. According to San Diego police, the suspect vehicle was a 1990s Toyota Camry with tinted windows, a broken headlight and front-end damage. If you witnessed this incident or have information about the suspect or this vehicle, please call authorities at 858-565-5200.

I offer my deepest sympathies, especially to the family of young Lucas Giaconelli for their devastating loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this boy, especially his friends who actually saw him get hit. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents in San Diego

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality and 27 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Vista. In San Diego County, 51 people died and 1,068 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

Hit-and-run or 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." I hope the hit-and-run driver in this case is apprehended and brought to justice.

Contacting a Skilled Injury Lawyer

Lucas Giaconelli's family will benefit from a consultation with a knowledgeable San Diego personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of this case and make sure that the negligent parties are held responsible. An experienced car accident lawyer will also be able to advise the family about how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run accident or if the driver in question is uninsured or underinsured.

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.