Police in Anaheim are looking for a hit-and-run driver in connection with an Orange County car accident that critically injured a 54-year-old bicyclist. The Orange County Register reports that the man was riding his bike west on Broadway on November 2, 2009 when the accident happened. He was hit as he rode around a parked car. The vehicle that hit him was also going in the same direction on Broadway, as the bicyclist. Police said the driver did not stop and left the seriously injured man lying on the roadway.

Car Accident Causes Critical Injuries

The man suffered severe head injuries as well as internal injuries. A complete description of the suspect vehicle is not available, but police are saying that it was possibly a dark-colored SUV or minivan with damage to the passenger side and a broken passenger side mirror. If you witnessed this hit-and-run accident or have any information about it, please contact Anaheim police at 714-765-1961.

My heart goes out to this injured bicyclist who has suffered critical injuries in this bicycle accident. I wish this victim the very best for a speedy and complete recovery and hope the hit-and-run driver is apprehended and brought to justice.

Hit-and-Run Laws in California

Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal and can be prosecuted as a felony in cases where serious injuries are involved. 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." Motorists are required to stop at the scene, provide/exchange information such as identification, contact information and insurance information. In case of serious injury, the motorist is required to get help for the injured party. It could be something as simple as calling 911. If this motorist was not at fault for the accident, he could still face serious criminal charges because he left the scene of the accident.

As the accident investigation is ongoing, it may be in the best interest of this victim's family to consult with an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who will keep up with the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights are protected at all times. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer should also advise victims and their families about how their insurance would apply to a hit-and-run motorist or an uninsured or under-insured driver.

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.