A 65-year-old man who sustained critical injuries in a hit-and-run accident after his bicycle was struck, has been identified as Jesus Esparza Delgado. The Ventura County Star reports that the collision occurred the afternoon of April 26, 2010 at the intersection of Nardo Street and Wells Road, in Saticoy. Officials say a driver making a left on Wells from Nardo struck and critically injured Delgado, but left the scene of the crash. Police are looking for a dark gray Nissan Sentra with a partial license plate of 2GW997. If you have any information about the people involved or the suspect vehicle, please call 805-477-4100.

I sympathize with Delgado and the members of his family. We can only hope that this accident has not resulted in catastrophic injuries for Delgado. My thoughts and prayers go out to this injured victim and his family.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Law enforcement officers and traffic safety experts point to several possible reasons for the increase in hit-and-run accidents over the last several years in California. The increase in the number of unlicensed drivers, California's car culture, drunk drivers and uninsured drivers all contribute to this increase in hit-and-run car accidents. What do you do when you fear punishment or penalty? You shirk responsibility and flee the scene of an accident. Federal statistics show that hit-and-run accidents accounted for nearly 5 percent in 2004, the most recent year for which those statistics are available.

Laws and Liability Issues

Leaving the scene of an accident 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 failed to stop, exchange information or even wait for authorities or help the injured victim as required by law. Car accident victims in such cases would be well advised to consult an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will advise them about their legal rights and options.

What steps can local law enforcement take in order to encourage the public to report hit-and-run drivers?

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.