A man who was killed in a motorcycle accident in Baldwin Park on April 18, 2010 has been identified by officials as 35-year-old Eliseo Castaneda. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the fatal crash occurred when Castaneda rear-ended a Toyota Corolla on the westbound 10 Freeway, was thrown off his motorcycle and then struck by a passing SUV. Officials say the driver of the black SUV fled the scene of the accident. California Highway Patrol officials are looking for the hit-and-run driver. The vehicle apparently sustained considerable front-end damage.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Castaneda for their devastating and tragic loss. They will be in my prayers.

In 2008, four people were killed and 289 were injured as a result of car accidents in Baldwin Park, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Los Angeles County, car accidents claimed 667 lives and injured 52,229 people during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

This news report does not tell us how or why the initial crash between the motorcycle and the Toyota occurred. However, the focus here is on the driver who left the scene of the accident. Under California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a) leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime. Hit-and-run is a crime irrespective of who is at fault. Motorists in California, if they are involved in a crash, are required to remain until authorities arrive and then exchange important information with the other parties. Remaining at the scene is about being a responsible citizen and a human being.

An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help

Victims of accidents or their families, in such situations, would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will make sure that their rights are protected. A skilled attorney will also advise families about how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run accident or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to accident victims and their families.

Would you report a hit-and-run driver if you witnessed an accident involving one?

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.