A skateboarder sustained serious injuries in a San Diego car accident early morning on May 30, 2010 after he was struck by a driver, who failed to stop. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the 22-year-old man was hit at the intersection of Olney Street and Grand Avenue in the Pacific Beach area.

The skateboarder was traveling south on Olney Street, when officials say he may have entered the intersection on a red light. A vehicle going west on Grand Avenue then struck him. The victim sustained a large cut to his head and a fractured leg. Police are looking for the driver, who they say will face a felony hit-and-run charge. No vehicle description is available at this time for the suspect vehicle or driver.

San Diego Car Accidents

I hope this skateboarder did not sustain any life-threatening injuries. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. I trust the hit-and-run driver in this case will be apprehended and brought to justice.

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 23 deaths and 533 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Diego. Countywide, 63 people died and 998 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Laws and Compensation Issues

Leaving the scene of an accident or hit-and-run is a serious crime 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 involved in car accidents are required under the law to stop and remain at the scene, irrespective of whose fault the accident was. Drivers are also required to exchange information with other parties such as address, insurance information and contact details, and also provide aid to the injured victim.

In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer who will advise them about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise them about how their own auto insurance policy might apply when there is a hit-and-run driver involved or in cases where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

What specific dangers do you think skateboarders face on our roadways?

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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