A 9-year-old boy has been injured in a Ventura car accident, after his bicycle was struck by a vehicle that left the scene of the collision. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, the car accident occurred the afternoon of December 16, 2009 in Thousand Oaks. The boy was riding his bike west on Calle Pensamiento, when he made a turn to cross the street and a westbound vehicle hit him. The driver of the vehicle did not stop and fled the scene, continuing west on Calle Pensamiento toward Avenida De Las Plantas. The boy was taken to a local hospital with injuries.

Police are describing the hit-and-run driver as a heavy-set man between 40 and 50 years old, between 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-10, with brown hair, brown eyes and a mustache. He was also believed to have been driving a green pickup truck with silver trim. Anyone who witnessed the accident or has information about this driver, or the vehicle is asked to call Thousand Oaks police officials at 805-494-8271.

I hope this child has not sustained serious injuries. Preliminary reports indicate that the injuries were not life-threatening, which is good news indeed. I hope and pray for his speedy and complete physical as well as emotional recovery. Please keep this little boy in your prayers.

Bicycle and Car Accident Statistics

In 2007, 48 people were injured in Thousand Oaks as a result of bicycle accidents, according to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics. In Ventura County, three deaths and 261 injuries were reported due to bicycle accidents in 2007. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 71 lives and injured 3,993 people, during the same year.

Legal and Liability Issues In Hit-and-Run Accidents

Based on this news report, it is not clear whose fault this injury accident was. But under California law, motorists are required to stop at the scene of the accident, irrespective of whether or not the accident was his or her fault. 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."

Victims and their families, of such accidents would be well-advised to contact a reputed California personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record of holding negligent drivers accountable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to determine how the family's car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run case or in an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

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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