A hit-and-run crash in Fullerton seriously injured a 12-year-old boy the afternoon of June 4, 2010. The Orange County Register reports that the injury pedestrian collision occurred near the intersection of Orangethorpe Avenue and South Basque Avenue. A Ford Mustang driven by a woman, later identified as 35-year-old Esmeralda Parra, struck the boy.

Based on preliminary investigation, officials say the boy ran out into traffic lanes. Parra drove away from the scene of the crash. The boy sustained a broken arm and leg. Parra was apprehended after a witness to the crash followed her and reported the incident to police.

It is indeed fortunate that this boy did not sustain any catastrophic injuries in this crash. I commend the eyewitness who tenaciously followed the hit-and-run driver and reported her to authorities right away. Without that individual's actions, Parra may not have been apprehended promptly. I pray for the child's speedy and complete recovery from his injuries.

Hit-and-Run Statistics

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 involving hit-and-run collisions in California.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

It is not clear why Parra drove away from the scene. I trust officials are also looking into whether she was under the influence, driving without a valid license, distracted or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision. Could she have stopped in time and avoided hitting the boy? That said, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident, regardless of who was at fault. Even if the boy was at fault here, Parra should have stopped immediately after she hit him, remained until officials arrived and obtained help for the injured child.

Liability Issues

In such cases, it would be in the best interests of injured victims to seek the legal counsel of a reputed Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. If this car accident was the result of a dangerous condition on the roadway, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining this roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any such claim against a California public entity must be filed within six months of the incident.

What are some steps local law enforcement officials can take to reduce hit-and-run collisions?

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.