Personal Injury Lawyers News » Hit And Run

San Francisco Car Accidents Involve Hit-and-Run Drivers

Colleen — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:47:21 +0000

San Francisco police are looking for hit-and-run drivers in connection with two different incidents that occurred over a period of three days. According to news reports, the most recent crash occurred the morning of July 31, 2010 at the intersection of Folsom and 19th streets in the city's Mission District. Police say a driver struck the pedestrian and then left the scene of the accident. The pedestrian died at the scene.

Another pedestrian accident occurred July 28, 2010 at the intersection of Golden Gate Avenue and Hyde Street, when a pedestrian was struck and critically injured while he was walking in a marked crosswalk. Officials say the pedestrian also had the green light at the time. The suspect vehicle is described as a newer model, silver four-door sedan, possibly an Oldsmobile.

I hope both these hit-and-run drivers are apprehended and brought to justice. I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased victim and pray that the critically injured victim makes it through his injuries and makes a full recovery.

Leaving the Scene of the Accident

Hit-and-run or leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a). Failing to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk is also a serious traffic violation. California Vehicle Code section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."

Claim for Compensation

In such cases, injured victims or their families would find it in their best interests to contact a reputed San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options. If a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to these accidents, the city could be held liable as well. Please remember that any wrongful death or personal injury claim against a California public entity must be filed within six months of the incident.

What are some of the most hazardous roadways for pedestrians in your city or neighborhood?

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.

San Francisco Car Accidents Involve Hit-and-Run Drivers is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Bicycle Accident Involves Hit-and-Run Driver

Colleen — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:28:33 +0000

A bicyclist who was seriously injured in a hit-and-run collision in Oxnard has been identified by authorities as 49-year-old Gerardo Rodriguez. The Ventura County Star reports that the injury collision occurred the night of July 25, 2010 at the intersection of Oxnard Boulevard and Colonia Road, when a driver struck Rodriguez, who was in a crosswalk at the intersection.

Eyewitnesses told authorities that the SUV went through a red light and hit Rodriguez who was in the crosswalk. The driver of the SUV drove away from the scene of the accident. But Oxnard police were able to locate the driver, later identified as 21-year-old Jose Vega. He was arrested on a felony hit-and-run charge. Rodriguez is recovering from his injuries.

Hit-and-Run Statistics

According to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California in 2008. A majority of these car accidents involved injuries. There were 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions statewide.

Laws and Liability Issues

In this particular case, it appears that Vega was at fault because not only did he run a red light at the intersection, but he also struck the bicyclist who was in a marked crosswalk. California Vehicle Code section 21650 states: "Upon all highways a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:" subsection (g) states that "This section does not prohibit the operation of bicycles on any shoulder or a highway, on any sidewalk, on any bicycle path within a highway, or along any crosswalk or bicycle path crossing, where the operation is not otherwise prohibited by this code or local ordinance." Vega also left the scene of the accident, which is against California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a).

In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is apparent, it would be in the best interests of injured victims to seek the counsel of a reputed personal injury attorney in Ventura, who has a successful track record of holding negligent drivers accountable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

Have you ever acted as a witness to an accident? We would like to hear about your experiences.

Bicycle Accident Involves Hit-and-Run Driver is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Hit-and-Run Boating Accident Claims the Life of Orange County Man

Colleen — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:45:49 +0000

A boating accident in Lake Havasu proved fatal for 30-year-old Eric Norris of Huntington Beach the evening of July 3, 2010. KTLA News reports that the fatal accident occurred near Havasu Landing Casino when Norris fell into the water and was run over by a boat, which then left the scene. Officials are looking for the hit-and-run boater. The suspect vessel is described as a 25-foot boat with a white stripe, a V-hull and an enclosed bow. Passers-by tried to resuscitate Norris, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

My heart goes out to everybody who knew and loved Eric Norris for their devastating loss. I offer my deepest sympathies especially to his family members including his grandmother and young son, whom he cared for. Please keep them in your prayers.

Boating Statistics

According to the Department of Boating and Waterways' statistics, there were 55 boating accident fatalities in California waters in 2007, about half of those in Southern California. Twenty California victims were found to be under the influence of alcohol. Also, nearly half of the alcohol-related fatalities in the water in 2007 were boat passengers.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard's 2007 boating statistics, the number of boating-related deaths fell from 710 in 2006 to 685 in 2007. But the number of boating accidents increased from 4,967 to 5,191. Boating related injuries rose from 3,474 to 3,673 and damages increased from $43 million to $53 million during that period.

Boating Laws Relating to Hit-and-Run

Hit-and-run or leaving the scene of an accident is not only illegal on California's roadways, but also in state waterways. According to the California Department of Boating and Waterways' laws: " Any person involved in a boating accident that results in injury, death or disappearance, who is convicted of leaving the scene without 1) furnishing appropriate information to others involved or to any peace officer at the scene, and/or 2) rendering any reasonable assistance to any injured person, is liable for a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to four years, or both." This law also states that a person responsible for an accident that results in serious injury or death can also face manslaughter charges and an additional five years in state prison for fleeing the scene.

Norris' family would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of this incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable for their actions.

In your opinion, what are the most common dangers faced by boaters in our waters?

Hit-and-Run Boating Accident Claims the Life of Orange County Man is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Hit-and-Run Collision Causes Major Injuries to Police Technician

Joseph — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:50:52 +0000

A police technician was seriously injured in an Ontario car accident after the car in which he was travelling was struck by another vehicle. According to a news report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, the accident occurred the afternoon of June 28, 2010 at the intersection of Walnut Street and Baker Avenue. Ontario police officers say the police technician was driving east through the intersection.

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The driver of a white, older model Dodge Durango, who was going south on Baker, failed to stop for the stop sign, officials said. The Dodge Durango struck the technician's car and fled the scene of the collision. The technician's injuries were described as serious, but not life-threatening. Anyone with information about the hit-and-run crash is asked to contact Ontario police officials at 909-395-2001, ext. 4679.

I sympathize with this police technician, who has apparently served in the police department for a long time. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. This victim and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Car Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 17 fatalities and 1,012 injuries involving car accidents in Ontario. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 263 people died and 8,504 people were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Right-of-Way at a Stop Sign

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver of the Durango not only ran the stop sign and struck the vehicle, but also fled the scene of the crash. Both running a stop sign and leaving the scene of a crash are serious violations of California law.

California law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at a stop sign and proceed with caution. According to California Vehicle Code section 21802 (a): "The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop as required by Section 22450. The driver shall then yield the right-of-way to any vehicles which have approached from another highway, or which are approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to those vehicles until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety." Leaving the scene of a crash is also illegal under California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a).

Claim for Compensation

In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Ontario personal injury lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run collision or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

What can local law enforcement agencies do better to encourage members of the public to come forward with information about hit-and-run drivers?

Hit-and-Run Collision Causes Major Injuries to Police Technician is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Orange County Hit-and-Run Crash Injures Pedestrian

Joseph — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:20:10 +0000

Police arrested 59-year-old Richard Elwood Swanson on suspicion of driving under the influence and hit-and-run causing injury. Officials say Swanson struck a pedestrian in a Huntington Beach crosswalk at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and PCH the afternoon of June 6, 2010 and then fled the scene. The pedestrian, a 21-year-old man, was taken to a local hospital and is expected to survive. Police caught up with Swanson as he was driving to his Newport Beach home and arrested him.

I'm relieved to hear that the pedestrian has not sustained any life-threatening injuries. I hope he recovers quickly and completely.

Pedestrian Accidents

There were five fatalities and 59 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Huntington Beach, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Orange County as a whole, 31 people were killed and 122 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Crosswalk Laws

California law requires motorists to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections. California Vehicle Code section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."

In this case police say the motorist, Swanson, was also under the influence and left the scene of the accident. DUI is illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) and leaving the scene of an accident or hit-and-run is a serious crime under California Vehicle Code 20001 (a).

Claim for Compensation

In such cases where negligence and/or wrongdoing is suspected, injured victims would be well-advised to contact a reputed Orange County personal injury lawyer who has a successful track record of holding drunk drivers accountable.

What precautions or proactive steps can pedestrians in crosswalks take to avoid such collisions?

Orange County Hit-and-Run Crash Injures Pedestrian is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Hit-and-run Collision in Orange County Injures 12-year-old Boy

Colleen — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 23:21:32 +0000

A hit-and-run crash in Fullerton seriously injured a 12-year-old boy the afternoon of June 4, 2010. The Orange County Register reports that the injury pedestrian collision occurred near the intersection of Orangethorpe Avenue and South Basque Avenue. A Ford Mustang driven by a woman, later identified as 35-year-old Esmeralda Parra, struck the boy.

Based on preliminary investigation, officials say the boy ran out into traffic lanes. Parra drove away from the scene of the crash. The boy sustained a broken arm and leg. Parra was apprehended after a witness to the crash followed her and reported the incident to police.

It is indeed fortunate that this boy did not sustain any catastrophic injuries in this crash. I commend the eyewitness who tenaciously followed the hit-and-run driver and reported her to authorities right away. Without that individual's actions, Parra may not have been apprehended promptly. I pray for the child's speedy and complete recovery from his injuries.

Hit-and-Run Statistics

According to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries, in California, in 2008. A majority of these car accidents involved injuries. There were 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions in California.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

It is not clear why Parra drove away from the scene. I trust officials are also looking into whether she was under the influence, driving without a valid license, distracted or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision. Could she have stopped in time and avoided hitting the boy? That said, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident, regardless of who was at fault. Even if the boy was at fault here, Parra should have stopped immediately after she hit him, remained until officials arrived and obtained help for the injured child.

Liability Issues

In such cases, it would be in the best interests of injured victims to seek the legal counsel of a reputed Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. If this car accident was the result of a dangerous condition on the roadway, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining this roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any such claim against a California public entity must be filed within six months of the incident.

What are some steps local law enforcement officials can take to reduce hit-and-run collisions?

Hit-and-run Collision in Orange County Injures 12-year-old Boy is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Women Critically Injured in Hit-and-Run Crash

Colleen — Mon, 10 May 2010 23:10:56 +0000

A hit-and-run collision in downtown Los Angles left two women seriously injured the morning of May 9, 2010, KPCC-Radio reports. The pedestrian collision happened at the intersection of West Third and Boylston streets when the women who were leaving a club were attempting to cross the street in a marked crosswalk. They were struck by a red minivan, which reportedly left the scene. The hit-and-run vehicle was last seen heading toward Vermont Avenue.

I sympathize with these injured car accident victims and their families for what they are going through at this time. I hope and pray that they recover quickly and fully from their serious injuries.

Hit-and-Run Statistics

Laws and Liability Issues

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California Vehicle Code 20001 (a). Motorists are also required to yield to pedestrians who are walking in crosswalks. California Vehicle Code section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."

Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will advise them of their legal rights and options. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition at the crosswalk or intersection caused this collision. If that was the case, the governmental entity responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

Have you checked your vehicle insurance policy to confirm you have uninsured motorist coverage?

Women Critically Injured in Hit-and-Run Crash is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Hit-and-Run Collision Causes Major Injuries

Joseph — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:58 +0000

Enrique Maydon, 30, sustained critical injuries in a car accident on the Highway 101, which involved multiple vehicles and a hit-and-run driver, reports The Monterey County Herald. California Highway Patrol officials say that a Dodge Durango cut off a Nissan Sentra traveling in the southbound lanes of the freeway, near Chualar the morning of April 26, 2010. Oscar Placencia, 24, the driver of the Nissan then, crossed the center median and went into the northbound lanes, before colliding head-on with a car driven by Maydon.

Police Seek Hit-and-Run Driver

Maydon was transported to the hospital where he is still listed in critical condition following surgery. Placencia suffered minor injuries as his car also struck a Chevrolet Cobalt driven by a 50-year-old man. The Dodge Durango that apparently triggered this horrific Monterey County car collision, fled the accident scene. Officials say the hit-and-run car is a green Dodge Durango SUV with front-end damage. If you have any information about this accident or the hit-and-run driver, please call the Salinas CHP office at 831-796-2100.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the injured victims here, especially the seriously injured Enrique Maydon. I offer him my best wishes for a speedy and full recovery. Please keep this victim and his family in your prayers.

California Hit-and-Run Law and Statistics

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." Under this law, motorists are required to stop after an accident whether or not the accident was their fault.

There were 247 hit-and-run fatalities in 2008, in California, according to the California Highway Patrol's traffic statistics. Also,16,911 personal injuries resulted from hit-and-run collisions, statewide, in 2008. Traffic accidents in Monterey County claimed 40 lives and injured 1,470 people during the same year.

How A California Lawyer Can Help

Based on this news account, it appears the driver of the Dodge was responsible for the initial collision that caused Placencia to lose control and enter the opposing traffic lanes. I trust officials will soon apprehend the hit-and-run suspect involved in this incident and determine what exactly happened. If he or she is found to have been at fault, then, the driver must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and also held civilly liable for the serious injuries and damages caused.

The families of the injured victims in such accidents should promptly consult with a reputedCalifornia personal injury attorney, who will help them secure just compensation, while holding the negligent parties fully accountable for their actions.

What can law enforcement do better to make sure eyewitnesses and members of the public promptly report hit-and-run drivers? We would love to hear your ideas.

Hit-and-Run Collision Causes Major Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Hit-and-Run Driver Sought in Ventura Bicycle Accident

Joseph — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:07:45 +0000

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?

Hit-and-Run Driver Sought in Ventura Bicycle Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Car Accident Kills Motorcyclist

Colleen — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 23:56:39 +0000

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?

Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Car Accident Kills Motorcyclist is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News