A San Jose car accident, apparently caused by a hit-and-run driver has sent a 5-year-old boy to the hospital with injuries. CBS News reports that this accident occurred the afternoon of January 20, 2010. San Jose police officials say the boy was standing in front of his home's garage. The male driver of a Honda Accord, who was already driving erratically, struck another vehicle and then hit the boy. The out of-control car also ruptured a gas line, causing more than 50 residents in the neighborhood to be evacuated. The hit-and-run driver is still at-large. The occupants of the other car that was struck by the Honda are believed to have sustained minor injuries.

I hope and pray that the little boy has not sustained catastrophic injuries as a result of this car accident. I wish him the best for a complete recovery. Please keep him in your prayers.

Leaving the scene of an accident

It is a serious crime under California law to leave the scene of the accident, whether or not the motorist is at-fault. If you have been in an accident, you are required to stop immediately, get help for the injured parties if you are in a position to do so and then exchange important information (insurance, identification, contacts) with the other parties. California Vehicle Code section 20001 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."

Claim for Compensation

It appears to me that the driver of the Honda was just not in control of the vehicle. We do not know yet whether he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time or whether he suffered a medical condition. It may have also been that the driver was speeding and lost control or was reckless at the time. Whatever the reason for this accident, I hope officials apprehend this driver and bring him to justice for the accident, injuries as well the inconvenience caused to the neighbors because of the evacuation. This hit-and-run driver should be held criminally and civilly liable for this injury accident.

Injured victims in such cases could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost earnings (if applicable), cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to advise the family about how their own car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run accident or in a case where the at-fault driver does not have car insurance or sufficient insurance coverage.

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.