A 17-year-old girl was injured in a San Joaquin County car accident, when a car struck her as she crossed the street, the morning of January 30, 2012. According to a News 10 report, the pedestrian accident occurred on East Washington Street near Franklin High School in Stockton. Officials say the girl was in a crosswalk when a car hit and dragged her. She has been listed in critical condition and doctors are attempting to relieve swelling in her brain. The 17-year-old male driver, who was behind the wheel, left the scene. But he turned himself in to authorities that night.

My heart goes out to the teenager injured in this terrible hit-and-run car accident. I wish this victim the very best for a complete and speedy recovery. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), Stockton pedestrian accidents claimed two lives and injured 122 people. During that same year, there were nine fatalities and 189 injuries reported involving San Joaquin County pedestrian accidents.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Based on this news report, the victim was in a crosswalk at the time of the accident. California Vehicle Code Section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection."

Additionally, the young driver fled the scene of an injury accident, which is a felony crime in California. California Vehicle Code Section 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." Not only is it illegal, but also leaving someone injured and lying on the roadway is an unconscionable act. I’m relieved to hear that the young man in this case did the right thing by turning himself in to the authorities and decided to take responsibility for his actions.

Liability Issues

Victims of hit-and-run accidents would be well advised to contact a skilledCalifornia personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Teenager Injured in Stockton Hit-and-Run Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Gerardo Garcia, 19, was killed in a New Year's Eve Riverside car accident, which officials say, involved a hit-and-run driver who has still not been found. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal hit-and-run accident occurred on Lakeshore Drive near Avenue 6 in Lake Elsinore, the night of December 31, 2011. Officials say Garcia was riding a skateboard on the shoulder when a 1994 to 1996 Honda Accord struck him from behind and left the scene of the crash. Garcia succumbed to his head injuries on January 4, 2012. The suspect vehicle is said to have a loud exhaust system. The Honda also likely has damage to its right front side, including the hood, windshield and the roof, officials say. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 951-245-3300.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Gerardo Garcia following this tragic hit-and-run car accident. This grieving family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Riverside Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), five people were killed and 144 were injured in Lake Elsinore car accidents. Throughout Riverside County, 203 fatalities and 7,974 injuries occurred as a result of car accidents, during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

Based on this news report, the driver of the Honda struck the teenager and left him lying on the roadway with severe head injuries. What kind of a person would leave a critically injured fellow human being on the street, exposed to further danger. This is an appalling act that shows a callous disregard for the safety of another individual. Not only is leaving the scene of an injury car crash an unconscionable act, but it is also against the law.

California Vehicle Code Section 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."

Liability Issues

I trust officials will be able to apprehend this driver and soon bring him or her to justice. If you have any information about this accident, please visit our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com. Our site allows witnesses to provide an anonymous tip and become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward. Let's join hands to help our law enforcement officials catch these irresponsible drivers and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.

Families who have lost a loved one in a hit-and-run accident would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will better inform families in such cases about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the suspect is not found, or, in a crash where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

Officials Asking for Public's Help to Find Hit-and-Run Driver is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Rudy Gonzales, 70, was killed in a Solano County car accident, which police report, involved a driver leaving the scene of the crash. According to a News 10 report, the fatal hit-and-run accident occurred in a parking lot along Central Way in Fairfield, the morning of December 1, 2011. Officials say Gonzales stopped to assist Michael Wilbert, 52, jump-start his recreational vehicle. For unknown reasons, the RV struck the Good Samaritan and fatally injured him. The driver of the RV then left the scene of the crash leaving Gonzales lying in the parking lot. Wilbert was later arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Rudy Gonzales, the victim of this tragic hit-and-run car accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four fatalities and 675 injuries involving car accidents in the city of Fairfield. Throughout Solano County, car accidents claimed 29 lives and injured 1,745 people, during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

Based on this news report, Gonzales was helping Wilbert start his RV when it ran him over. Instead of seeking assistance for the victim, Wilbert fled the scene, leaving Gonzales fatally injured in the parking lot. Despicable! Leaving the scene of an injury accident is both illegal and morally reprehensible. In this case, the actions of the suspect are made worse by the fact the victim had been helping him at the time.

California Vehicle Code Section 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."

Holding Wrongdoers Accountable

In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and benefits, and loss of compensation. Victims' families would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable.

Man Killed in Fairfield Hit-and-Run Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Angel Davis is asking for the public's help after her 9-year-old son, Jeremiah Davis, suffered brain damage in a Los Angeles car accident involving a hit-and-run driver. According to a CBS news report, the hit-and-run collision occurred at 104th Street and Harvard Boulevard in Los Angeles on October 19, 2011. Jeremiah was riding his bicycle at the time of the crash. Officials have described the vehicle that struck him as a dark, late model Nissan Altima or Kia. Jeremiah has just recently woken up from his coma and has not regained the ability to verbally communicate yet. His mother and the authorities are searching for help from anyone with information about the hit-and-run driver.

My heart goes out to little Jeremiah Davis and his family members and friends who are rallying around him during this difficult time. Jeremiah is recovering from a traumatic brain injury. In such cases, the road to recovery can be long and arduous, and medical bills can prove to be extremely steep to rehabilitate brain-injured victims.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Based on this news report, the driver of a dark Nissan or Kia struck a 9-year-old boy, who was on a bicycle, and failed to remain at the scene of the crash, or even seek help. Unconscionable! It is both morally reprehensible and illegal to leave the scene of an injury accident – let alone leaving a child lying critically injured on the roadway. California Vehicle Code Section 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."

Holding Wrongdoers Accountable

Officials are looking for the driver and late model Nissan Altima or Kia involved in this crash. If you have any information about this accident, please visit our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com. Our site allows witnesses to provide an anonymous tip and become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward. We are here to partner with the community and help law enforcement apprehend these hit-and-run drivers.

The family of hit-and-run victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights are protected. A skilled car accident attorney will also inform victims and their families about how their own car insurance policy applies to an incident where the hit-and-run driver is never found, or in a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

Hit-and-Driver Sought by Authorities in Los Angeles is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Aletha Ancometani, 77, of Cotati was injured in a San Francisco area car accident involving a drunk driver with a suspended license. According to a news report in The Rohnert Park Patch, the DUI collision occurred on the Dutton Avenue off-ramp from state Highway 12 in Santa Rosa, the morning of November 8, 2011. Officials say Ancometani was rear-ended by a gold Saturn driven by 20-year-od Jeremy James Anderson. When Ancometani pulled over, Anderson fled the scene of the crash. But he was tracked down and arrested by officials shortly afterward.

Ancometani suffered pain in her head and neck and a passenger in Anderson’s car, 18-year-old Sierra Wandry, suffered minor injuries. Anderson faces multiple charges including felony drunken driving, felony hit-and-run causing injury, driving with a suspended license, and violation of probation.

My thoughts and prayers are with Aletha Ancometani and Sierra Wandry following this hit-and-run car accident. I wish them the best for a complete and speedy recovery.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people died and 88 were injured due to DUI collisions in Santa Rosa. In Sonoma County as a whole, alcohol-related collisions led to 14 deaths and caused 291 injuries, during the same year.

Traffic Violations

Based on this news report, Anderson was under the influence of alcohol when he caused the rear-end collision and left the scene of the crash. California Vehicle Code Section 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."

According to California Vehicle Code Section 23136, "it is unlawful for a person under the age of 21 years who has a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.01 percent or greater, as measured by a preliminary alcohol screening test or other chemical test, to drive a vehicle." In addition Anderson fled the scene of a crash, which is not only an inhumane and irresponsible act, but also illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a).

Liability Issues

In cases involving negligence and wrongdoing, injured victims would be well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help protect their legal rights and best interests. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also inform victims about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

San Francisco Area DUI Collision Causes Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A 50-year-old Clovis man was killed in a Fresno car accident, which officials say, involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in The Fresno Bee, the fatal car accident occurred on Highway 168, the early morning on October 21, 2011. California Highway Patrol officials say an Infiniti G-35 driven by 24-year-old Perla Vazquez, was eastbound on the highway when it struck the rear of a Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep went careening down an embankment. The man driving the Jeep was wearing a seatbelt, but was partially ejected from the vehicle. He died from his injuries. A police officer who witnessed the accident saw Vazquez's vehicle driving away on Highway 168. He pulled her over and then booked her on suspicion of DUI and hit-and-run causing death. Vazquez was also driving on a suspended license.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of this deceased hit-and-run car accident victim. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

DUI Statistics

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 23 injuries involving DUI collisions in Clovis. In Fresno County as a whole, 49 people died and 389 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes, during the same year.

Violation of Laws

Based on this news report, it appears that Vazquez was not only driving drunk on a suspended license, but also struck and fatally injured the victim and took off. Unconscionable! If the details of the report are accurate, then, Vazquez violated several laws.
According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle." A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code Section 191.5 (a). In addition Vazquez left the scene of a crash, which is illegal under California Vehicle CodeSection 20001 (a).

Claim for Compensation

In such cases, where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship. If I were a member of the victim's family, I would also want to know why his seatbelt failed. Were his partial ejection and fatal injuries due to a defective seatbelt? If that was the case, the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective product could also be held accountable. An experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer will be able analyze all aspects of this incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

Man Killed in Fresno Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Jeanny Rojo Mabunay, 43, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident involving a hit-and-run driver, who officials say, has a history of DUI and drug arrests. According to the Daily Breeze, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Rosecrans Avenue, near Normandie Avenue, in Gardena, the night of August 20, 2011. A silver 2002 Honda Accord struck Mabunay as she crossed the street.

Officials were able to track down and arrest 34-year-old Omar Rivera about four days after the fatal crash – thanks to an anonymous tip. It is not clear if Rivera was under the influence at the time of the collision, but authorities report many people in the area saw him driving erratically and at a high rate of speed just before the accident. Rivera has been charged with hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jeanny Rojo Mabunay following this tragic hit-and-run car accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. I also commend the citizen who came forward with the anonymous tip, which helped law enforcement officials take this dangerous driver and repeat offender off the streets.

History of Violations

Based on the news report, this is not Rivera's first brush with the law. His rap sheet displays a dangerous pattern. In 2000, he was arrested and convicted of hit-and-run. The same year, he was arrested on suspicion of possessing marijuana while driving, but wasn't charged. In April 2010 Rivera was convicted of DUI and the same month was found guilty of possessing methamphetamine. He also has had numerous citations over the years for driving with a revoked license.

It is unclear if he had a valid license at the time of this pedestrian accidents. Since he was arrested about four days after the incident, it could be difficult for authorities to establish if he was driving under the influence. Apparently this is a person with a blatant disregard for the law and for the safety and well-being of others. Running away from the scene of a crash where another human has been severely injured shows a lack of common human decency.

Claim for Compensation

Mabunay's family would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will better explain their legal rights and options. If Rivera does not have insurance or is underinsured, then, the family may be able to claim compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of their own auto insurance policy. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Suspected Hit-and-Run Driver Had History of DUI Arrests, Officials Say is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Candice Marie Nelson, 25, was killed in a San Diego car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while walking on the shoulder of a highway. According to a 10News report, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred early morning on August 22, 2011, on State Route 76, near South Grade Road.

California Highway Patrol officials say Nelson was walking on the north shoulder of the highway when she was hit by 2002 Ford Taurus whose driver swerved, but was unable to avoid hitting her. The driver then sped away from the scene, abandoned the vehicle nearby, and fled on foot with two other passengers. Officials were able to track down the hit-and-run driver who has been identified as 69-year-old Rickey Burns. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Candice Marie Nelson. She is reportedly survived by three children. Tragic! Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

San Diego Pedestrian Accidents

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 18 fatalities and 494 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in San Diego. Countywide, pedestrian accidents claimed 57 lives and caused 937 injuries during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of the Crash

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Ford Taurus struck and fatally injured Nelson and then left her lying on the roadway without care or medical attention. Despicable! I'm relieved to hear that the hit-and-driver was apprehended and trust he will be brought to justice promptly.

Leaving the scene of an injury car accident is not only an inhumane and irresponsible act, but it is also illegal. California Vehicle Code Section 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."

Claim for Compensation

In such cases, at-fault drivers, in addition to facing criminal charges, can also be held civilly liable for the victims' wrongful death. Families of deceased victims can seek compensation for medical and funeral costs, lost future income and benefits, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

A skilled San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the highway caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

San Diego Hit-and-Run Car Accident Proves Fatal is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Ryan White, 9, and a 58-year-old woman were injured in a San Francisco car accident involving a drunk driver who fled the scene of the crash. According to a report in The San Jose Mercury News, the hit-and-run car accident occurred on Mission Street in San Francisco, the night of August 4, 2011. The two victims were crossing the road when a white Toyota Tundra pickup, driven by 21-year-old Andrew Vargas, struck them and then drove away. Ryan is in critical condition and the woman suffered injuries to her foot. The authorities tracked down Vargas and determined that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the pedestrian accident and that he struck multiple vehicles as he drove away. He faces felony hit-and-run as well as drunk driving charges.

My thoughts and prayers are with Ryan White and the other injured victim of this hit-and-run car accident. I wish them both a complete and speedy recovery.

San Francisco DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 10 people were killed and 262 were injured in San Francisco DUI collisions. During that same year, there were 21 fatalities and 699 injuries reported due to pedestrian accidents in San Francisco.

What Caused This Serious Injury Accident?

Based on this news report, officials say the driver Andrew Vargas was not only under the influence of alcohol, but also struck a child, critically injured him and sped away from the scene. Appalling! Leaving the scene of a car accident is a serious crime under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a). Also, according to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle." I'm relieved to note that this driver was apprehended and taken into custody before he could hurt more innocent people that night.

Liability Issues

If Vargas is determined to have been at fault, he could not only face criminal charges, but also be held civilly liable for the resulting injuries, damages and losses. The young victim's family can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for medical expenses and other related costs and damages, including pain and suffering, and emotional distress. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will better advise injured victims or their families in such cases about their legal rights and options. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

Child Injured in San Francisco Hit-And-Run Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Joshua McMakin, 22, was injured in a Ventura car accident after his bicycle was struck by a vehicle. According to a news report in The Ventura County Star, the bicycle accident occurred at San Jon Road and Thompson Boulevard in Ojai, the night of July 13, 2011. McMakin was riding his bike when a car, driven by Paul Winchester, 35, made a sharp left turn and struck him. The bicyclist suffered moderate injuries including blunt force trauma to his upper torso. Winchester left the scene of the crash, but was arrested shortly afterward. He faces two felony charges including driving under the influence and leaving the scene of the crash.

My thoughts and prayers are with Joshua McMakin following this Ventura hit-and-run car accident. I’m relieved he did not suffer life-threatening injuries. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and one was injured in Ojai DUI collisions. During that same year, alcohol-related crashes in Ventura County claimed 27 lives and injured 475 people.

Several Violations of the Law

It appears from the report that there were a number of traffic violations in this injury accident. First, it appears that the driver may have struck the bicyclist while making an unsafe left turn. The driver was also apparently under the influence of alcohol. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle."

In addition, the driver, Winchester, left the scene of an injury car accident without stopping, waiting for authorities or helping the victim. Not stopping at the scene of an injury accident is an appalling and unconscionable act. I'm relieved to hear that this dangerous driver was arrested and taken off the roadway.

Liability Issues

Drivers who cause accidents while operating under the influence can not only face criminal charges, but can also be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. An experienced Ventura personal injury lawyer will advise victims about their legal rights and options. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

Seriously injured in a Ventura County DUI car accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after an Ojai bicycle accident. Call 866-990-8787. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Ventura personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.

Ventura Hit-And-Run Car Accident Attorneys

Do you think that a year long sentence for hit-and-run drivers who cause fatalities is an appropriate sentence? Yes No Depends on the Circumstance Current Results

Bicyclist Injured in Ventura Hit-And-Run Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal