Hayward police are looking for a hit-and-run driver who struck and injured a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk and then left the scene of the crash. According to a CBS News report, the 27-year-old man was walking north on Huntwood Avenue at West Tennyson Road the evening of May 5, 2010, when he was struck by an SUV that was turning from northbound Huntwood to westbound Tennyson. The driver fled the scene of the collision and was last seen heading west on Tennyson. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital with major injuries, but he is expected to survive.


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Police have determined that the pedestrian was walking in the crosswalk and had the "walk" signal at the time. However, investigators say, the SUV rushed into the intersection in order to beat a red light. The suspect vehicle is described as a white, newer-model American-made SUV, possibly a Chevy Tahoe. The vehicle also has possible damage to its front grill and headlight area. If you have information about this suspect driver or vehicle, please call the Hayward Police Department at 510-293-7099.

My heart goes out to this car accident victim, who has obviously suffered severe injuries. However, I'm glad to hear that he is recovering. I wish him the best for a quick and complete recovery. He will be in my prayers.

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 serious injuries. There were 247 deaths in 2008, slightly up from 243 fatalities in 2004 involving hit-and-run crashes in California.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

In this particular case, officials have determined that the driver of the SUV was at fault for this major injury collision. California law requires motorists to remain at the scene of an accident irrespective of whose fault the incident is. It is the motorist's duty to stay until authorities arrive, exchange important information and get help for the injured victim. Of course, in this case, the driver decided to flee the scene. I truly hope officials apprehend this driver and bring him or her to justice.

Claim for Compensation

Hit-and-run accidents not only drain families emotionally, but also financially. Injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that their legal rights are protected. An experienced car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their car insurance policy applies to a situation where the hit-and-run driver is never located or if the at-fault driver turns out to be uninsured or underinsured.

How can we reduce the number of hit-and-run accidents in California? What can we do to deter drivers from leaving the scene of a crash?

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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