Sebastian Ruiz, 9, was critically injured in a Fresno car accident after he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle the evening of August 4, 2010. The Fresno Bee reports that Ruiz was riding his bike off the paved part of Road 24, near Avenue 14 in Madera County, when the driver of a sedan left the roadway and struck Sebastian. The boy was ejected from his bicycle and fell on the hood of the car. Officials say the driver was drinking a beer at the time he hit Sebastian.


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The driver, California Highway Patrol officials say, then drove away, heading north on Road 24. Sebastian was thrown on to the gravel shoulder as the sedan sped off. The suspect vehicle is described as a silver or gray, four-door car with stripes on both sides in a darker color than the car. Sebastian was transported to a Fresno hospital where he remained in serious condition.

My heart goes out to young Sebastian and his family members for what they are going through at this time. I hope he makes it through his critical injuries and goes on to have a complete recovery. This boy and his family will certainly be in my prayers. I also truly hope this hit-and-run driver will be promptly apprehended and brought to justice.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 32 people were killed and 626 people were injured in car accidents in Madera County. During the same year, one fatality and 14 injuries were reported as a result of bicycle accidents in Madera County.

Laws and Liability Issues

It is a serious crime under California law to leave the scene of an injury accident. Drivers are required to stop immediately, remain at the scene until authorities arrive, exchange information with the other parties involved in the accident and most importantly, administer aid to the injured victim. 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." This driver was also apparently drinking as he was driving, which is a violation of California Vehicle Code section 23152 (a).

In such cases, injured victims or their families would be well-advised to contact a reputed Fresno personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. Victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, costs of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims or their families about how their own car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run collision or in an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

What suggestions do you have to help deter drivers involved in car accidents from leaving the scene?

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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