Paul Michael Terpolilli was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident the morning of July 10, 2010, according to a news report in the North County Times. Officials say passers by found Terpolilli in cardiac arrest, lying next to his damaged bicycle, in the 1000 block of Twin Oaks Valley Road. A vehicle hit Terpolilli as he was riding his bike south on the roadway, and fled the scene of the crash. Terpolilli was transported to a local hospital in serious condition. Anyone with more information about this incident is asked to call 760-510-5042.

I sympathize with Paul Michael Terpolilli and his family for what they are going through. I trust authorities will soon apprehend the suspect and bring him or her to justice. I wish Terpolilli the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities but 11 injuries reported due to bicycle accidents in San Marcos. In San Diego County as a whole, seven people died and 959 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious violation 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." Motorists are not only required to stop, but also remain at the scene of the crash and wait until authorities get to the scene. Drivers must also exchange information with the other parties such as insurance, driver's license and contacts. This is the law for motorists, irrespective of whose fault the accident was.

Compensation Issues

Victims in such cases would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise injured 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.

In your opinion, what steps can be taken to encourage the public to come forward with information about hit-and-run suspects?

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.

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