A 17-year-old girl's leg was severed in a Riverside car accident involving a hit-and-run driver, according to a CBS News report. Authorities are looking for this suspect who they say caused the serious injury accident on October 15, 2009. Apparently, the teenager and another motorist were exchanging insurance information at Circle City Drive and El Sobrante Road after a fender bender when a while 1987 Mercedes barreled through the intersection. The teenager dove between the two vehicles, but the Mercedes crashed into the parked cars, pinning the girl between the cars and cutting off her leg.

Dangerous Hit-and-Run Driver

The suspect drove away from the scene. A witness pursued the driver for several blocks. The hit-and-run driver at one point blew through a red light at Rimpau and Magnolia avenues where the red light camera snapped a photo of the Mercedes, its license plate and the vehicle's occupants. Police say pictures show a Hispanic man in his mid 20s and a girl, about 7 or 8 years old in the front passenger seat. If you saw this accident or have information, please call Corona police at 951-736-2334.

My heart goes out to this young girl, who is facing the possibility of losing her leg. I hope and pray that her surgery was successful and that she has a quick and complete recovery from her serious injuries. Please keep this victim in your prayers.

Based on this news report, it is clear that this individual was speeding and driving recklessly at the time of this Corona car accident – with a child in the front passenger seat! I sincerely hope this individual is apprehended and brought to justice. Hit-and-run is a serious crime under California law. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "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." I wouldn't be surprised if this individual faces child endangerment charges as well. I hope he is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

An Experienced California Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

The victim (and her family) would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record holding negligent drivers accountable. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their own car insurance policy will apply to a case that involves a hit-and-run driver or an uninsured/underinsured motorist. In such cases, victims can seek compensation to cover medical bills, cost of hospitalization, surgery, prosthetics and even therapy and other related damages.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

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