Eliseo Castaneda, 35, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after he crashed his motorcycle on the 10 Freeway and was struck by an SUV. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the fatal crash occurred the afternoon of April 18, 2010 on the westbound 10 Freeway in Baldwin Park. The initial collision happened when Castaneda, who was riding a 2009 Honda motorcycle, rear-ended a Toyota Corolla. Castaneda was thrown off his motorbike on to the roadway and was then hit by a passing vehicle. The second vehicle, described as a black SUV, did not stop and left the scene of the crash.

California Highway Patrol officials are seeking the public's help to find this hit-and-run driver. Officials also say the SUV sustained right front-end damage and its front headlights are "hanging out of place." If you witnessed this fatal accident or have information about the suspect vehicle or driver, please contact CHP's Baldwin Park office at 626-338-1164.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Eliseo Castaneda for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two deaths and 25 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Baldwin Park. In Los Angeles County as a whole, motorcycle accidents claimed 114 lives and caused 2,934 injuries during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Law

Based on this news report, it is not clear exactly how the initial collision between the motorcycle and the Toyota occurred. It is possible the Toyota's driver had slowed suddenly or was driving negligently. However, the driver of the SUV who struck the motorcyclist as he lay on the roadway was required to stop. In California, it is a serious crime to leave the scene of an injury crash. 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 motorist should have stopped whether or not he or she believed the accident was his or her fault.

Claim for Compensation

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

Would you report a hit-and-run driver if you witnessed an accident involving one?

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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