A pedestrian was killed in San Diego car accident on State Route 67 early morning on July 25, 2010, The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. California Highway Patrol officials say the pedestrian was darting across the northbound lanes of the highway, near Bradley Avenue, when he was hit. He was struck in the number one southbound traffic lane. The pedestrian was then thrown over the median barrier into the northbound traffic lanes where he was struck by a number of vehicles. He died at the scene. The vehicle that initially struck the man left the scene of the accident. The San Diego Coroner's office describes the hit-and-run vehicle as a tan Nissan Murano SUV. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the grieving family of this deceased victim. I trust officials will soon apprehend the driver who left the scene and bring him or her to justice. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved this 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 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions statewide.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

California law requires motorists to remain at the scene of an accident – irrespective of whose fault the accident was. Drivers are required under the law to stop, remain until authorities arrive and administer any possible 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."

If the details of these reports are accurate, it appears that the pedestrian may have been at fault for the accident because he was running across the traffic lanes. If that were true, then the driver of the SUV, had he or she stopped and remained at the scene, would not have faced any charges or even citations. Now, this driver faces a possible felony hit-and-run charge because he or she left the scene of the crash. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer can help families of deceased victims understand their legal rights and options in such cases. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Would you report information about a hit-and-run crash if you could remain anonymous? For more information, visit www.hitandrunreward.com.

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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