A man was killed in a hit-and-run collision in San Francisco's Mission District early morning July 31, 2010. According to a news report in the San Francisco Chronicle, the man was found fatally injured at the corner of 19th and Folsom streets. Police have determined that his injuries are consistent with being struck by a vehicle and that the vehicle that hit him fled the scene. No vehicle or driver descriptions have been made available at this point. Anyone who may have seen this collision is asked to call San Francisco police officials at 415-553-1575.


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Pedestrian Hit in Crosswalk

Police are also looking for the hit-and-run driver who struck and critically injured another man at the corner of Golden Gate Avenue and Hyde Street in the Tenderloin area of San Francisco. According to a news report in the San Francisco Appeal, this major injury pedestrian accident occurred the morning of July 28, 2010, when a man in this early 30s was crossing Golden Gate in a marked crosswalk. It was then, a vehicle, which is being described as a newer model, silver four-door sedan, possibly an Oldsmobile, hit the pedestrian as it attempted a turn. The car's driver did not stop after the collision.

My heart goes out to the victims and their families. In the most recent case, the victim died. In last week's collision, the hit-and-run victim is still fighting for his life. I truly hope the suspects in both cases are quickly apprehended and brought to justice. I offer my deepest sympathies to the family members of the deceased pedestrian. I pray for the speedy and complete recovery of the critically injured pedestrian.

Hit-and-Run Statistics

According to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California in 2008. A majority of these car accidents involved injuries. There were a total of 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions statewide.

Laws and Liability Issues

Leaving the scene of an accident 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." In one of the cases, a surveillance camera clearly shows the pedestrian crossing in a marked crosswalk with a green light. In that case the driver also failed to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, which is a violation of California Vehicle Code section 21950 (a).

In such cases, it would be in the best interests of victims and their families to consult with an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims and their families about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run collision or in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

What are some of the most hazardous roadways for pedestrians in your city or neighborhood?

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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