A bicycle accident in Orange County left a 25-year-old man with serious head injuries the night of April 14, 2010, The Orange County Register reports. The man's bicycle was hit by a vehicle that was making a turn onto 17th Street, in Santa Ana, from Fairview. The bicyclist was in a marked crosswalk on 17th at the time. The driver who hit the bicyclist drove away from the scene without stopping. The suspect vehicle is described as a dark Honda Accord.

I sympathize with this injured bicyclist and his family for what they are going through at this time. I hope that the man has not sustained any catastrophic injuries and pray that he makes a full recovery soon.

Hit-and-Run Statistics and Law

Hit-and-run traffic accident deaths in California rose by 10 percent from 1999 to 2001, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's 2001 hit-and-run statistics, the most recent available. Nearly 300 people are killed each year in hit-and-run accidents in California. In 2001, hit-and-run accidents accounted for 7.8 percent of California's fatal traffic accidents. That figure is more than twice the national average of 3.8 percent.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a). Motorists are required to remain at the scene, exchange information such as vehicle license, insurance and contacts. Drivers are also required to get help for injured victims and wait until authorities arrive on scene. These are the duties of a motorist under California law, irrespective of whose fault the accident may be.

Getting Help

In such cases, victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also help determine whether there is any government liability because of a hazardous roadway, and advise families about how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run collision.

Do you feel safe riding a bicycle in your city? Share your thoughts with us.

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.