Police are looking for a hit-and-run driver who was involved in a fatal San Bernardino car accident that killed 19-year-old Thomas Joseph Meeks and left his 15-year-old stepbrother critically injured. According to a news report in the San Bernardino Sun, the fatal accident occurred the night of February 19, 2010 on 40th Street between Johnson Street and Acre Lane. San Bernardino police officials say the two boys were heading home on a bicycle when the vehicle traveling east on 40th Street, struck them.

Hit-and-Run Causes Fatality

Both were thrown about 60 feet from the point of impact. Meeks died at the scene of the crash and the 15-year-old was taken to an area hospital with critical injuries. The hit-and-run vehicle is described as a Chrysler or Pontiac with front-end damage near the license plate. If you witnessed this accident or have any information about this fatal bicycle accident, please contact San Bernardino police officials at 909-384-5738.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family of Thomas Joseph Meeks for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Not only did they lose one beloved family member, but they also have the younger boy fighting for his life with a serious head injury. I hope and pray that this teenager recovers completely from his critical injuries.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one fatality and 35 injuries were reported as a result of bicycle accidents in the city of San Bernardino. Countywide, bicycle accidents claimed eight lives and caused 274 injuries during the same year.

Laws and Liability Issues

I sincerely hope the hit-and-run driver in this case is apprehended and brought to justice. Leaving the scene of an accident -- irrespective of who is at fault -- is a serious crime under California law. 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."

The family of these young victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of this investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. If there was a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to this accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could be held liable as well. Any claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

Where there was negligence or wrongdoing involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost earnings, loss of companionship and other related damages.

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.

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