February 7, 2012 -- Daly City, CA. -- An early morning traffic incident on southbound Interstate Highway 280 in Daly City, CA, left a pedestrian dead.  According to the California Highway Patrol, a 27-year-old man believed to be a San Francisco resident was apparently attempting to cross the southbound lane of traffic on foot when he was hit by an unknown vehicle.  The pedestrian accident took place about 4:30 a.m. on February 4.

After the man had been struck, the vehicle apparently fled the scene, and the incident was not reported until another vehicle struck the man's body.  This vehicle was involved in a collision with another car, possibly due to trying to avoid the body which may have been lying in the road.  When police responded to the accident, the North County Fire Authority was called and located the man’s body under one of the cars.

The CHP is still uncertain exactly how many cars struck the unfortunate pedestrian, whose name has not been released.

I want to extend my sincere condolences to the family of the unnamed victim, and to express my hope that the driver of the car which hit him will come forward.

Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 20 percent of all pedestrians killed in road accidents die in hit-and-run incidents.  This incredibly high number of hit-and-runs involving pedestrians probably stems from the “panic” response some people feel when they realize they have struck a human being.  Instead of logically stopping the car and calling for an ambulance and the police, they simply react, hitting the gas and trying to get away from the scene as quickly as possible.  The fact that some people "hit and run" in broad daylight and in front of witnesses bolsters the idea that this is a panic response and not based on reason or logic.

Not all of them are caught, although those who are can face severe fines and penalties.

What Happened in this Accident

Although authorities are still investigating the scene of the crime, it seems clear that the man was already injured when the second car hit him due to the collision.  Therefore, liability would seem to attach to the first driver who left the scene without stopping.  However, the second driver could also hold some liability if there was any way for him or her to avoid hitting the man.  A professional personal injury attorney should examine the facts of the case to determine the best way to pursue the issue of liability.

Pedestrian Killed in Fatal Freeway Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

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

Jessica Chavez, 25, was killed in a Hawthorne car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. According to a news report in the Daily Breeze, the pedestrian accident occurred on 120th Street near Crenshaw Boulevard the night of January 22, 2012. Police say Nataly Morales, 24, of Gardena was driving a Chevy Venture minivan when she hit Chavez who was outside of a crosswalk. Morales remained at the scene. Officials said alcohol was not a factor. But, she was arrested because she did not have a valid license. Chavez died from her injuries. Police are asking anyone who witnessed this fatal accident to contact 310-349-2701.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Jessica Chavez for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 47 were injured in pedestrian accidents in Hawthorne. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 179 fatalities and 4,918 injuries were reported due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Laws Relating to Pedestrians

Based on this news report, police suspect that Chavez was not using a crosswalk at the time of incident and may have been jaywalking. They are still looking for eyewitnesses to provide information. California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: "Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard." The same section also states: "The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway."

Liability Issues

If the driver in this case is determined to have been at fault, then, she can be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. A knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to this crash. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a California governmental entity must be filed within six months of the incident.

Woman Killed in Los Angeles Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Benito Federico Ruiz-Ruiz, 48, was killed in a San Diego County motorcycle accident after he was struck while crossing the street. According to an NBC San Diego news report, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on El Camino Real near La Costa Avenue in Carlsbad, the night of January 7, 2012. The northbound motorcycle struck Ruiz-Ruiz, who died at the scene. Officials suspect that Ruiz-Ruiz may have attempted to illegally cross the roadway. An investigation is ongoing.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Benito Federico Ruiz-Ruiz for their tragic loss. They are in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 26 injuries reported involving pedestrian accidents in Carlsbad. During that same year, 57 fatalities and 937 injuries occurred due to pedestrian accidents in San Diego County.

Pedestrian Right of Way Laws

Based on this news report, it is not clear if the victim was in a crosswalk or at an intersection at the time of the crash. The pedestrian may have crossed the roadway illegally. Under California law, motorists are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: "Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard." The same section also states: "The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway."

Liability Issues

If the motorcyclist is determined to have been at fault here, the victim's family can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking damages for funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship. Victims' families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims or their families.

Pedestrian Killed in San Diego Motorcycle Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Charlene Garmon, 52, was severely injured in a Tulare County car accident when a vehicle struck her as she crossed the street. According to a KMJNow news report, the pedestrian accident occurred on Tulare Avenue near Garden Street in Visalia, the evening of January 9, 2012. Officials have not released information regarding how or why the accident occurred. Garmon suffered major injuries in the crash. It is not clear if the driver, 43-year-old Brett Hawley, will be cited for the collision. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with Charlene Garmon following this terrible car accident. I wish her the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 30 were injured in Visalia pedestrian accidents. During that same year, there were eight fatalities and 90 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents throughout Tulare County.

Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws

Based on this news report, it is not clear if Garmon was in a crosswalk at the time of the accident, but it does appear that she was near an intersection. 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." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."

Liability Issues

Victims of pedestrian accidents would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the ongoing investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. If the driver is determined to have been at fault, he can be held liable for Garmon's injuries and damages. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also be able to determine if a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city of governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Visalia Car Accident Seriously Injures Pedestrian 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

A man was killed in a Riverside car accident when he was struck inside a crosswalk, the morning of January 5, 2012. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal collision occurred at the intersection of North Palm Canyon and Racquet Club drives in Palm Springs. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he died. Officials say the Isuzu panel truck was southbound on Palm Canyon Drive when it hit the pedestrian who was in the south crosswalk at Racquet Club Drive. Police are still investigating the cause of this pedestrian accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim of this fatal collision. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 41 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Palm Springs. In Riverside County as a whole, 39 people died and 370 were injured due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Laws Relating to Pedestrians

Based on this news report, the pedestrian was in the crosswalk at the time. However, it is not clear why the driver failed to yield the right-of-way to him. 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." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."

The same section also states: "This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk."

Fault and Liability

If the driver is determined to have been at fault here, then, the driver as well as his or her employer can be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. In cases where negligence is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and benefits, and loss of companionship. Victims' families would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Man Killed in Riverside Pedestrian Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A 16-year-old pedestrian was injured in a Riverside car accident after being struck by a Dodge truck, the evening of December 13, 2011. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of Encanto Drive and McLaughlin Road near the Interstate 215 between Perris and Menifee. Officials say the victim was walking northbound when a Nuevo woman driving the Dodge struck the teen. The teenager suffered a broken leg and is expected to recover. It is not clear if the driver will be cited for the crash.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victim of this Riverside pedestrian accident. It is indeed a relief that this person did not suffer life-threatening injuries. I wish the young victim the very best for a complete and quick recovery.

Riverside Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), nine people were killed and 54 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County. During that same year, 39 people were killed and 370 were injured in pedestrian accidents, countywide.

Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws

Based on this news report, it is not yet clear what caused this injury accident. I trust investigators are trying to determine if the teenager was in a crosswalk or had the right of way at the time of the collision. Under California law, motorists are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

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." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."

Liability Issues

In this particular case, if the driver is determined to have been at fault, she can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation from at-fault motorists to cover medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

Teenager Injured in Riverside Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A woman was injured in a San Diego car accident after she was hit by a trolley. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the injury collision occurred the evening of December 7, 2011 at the intersection of West Ash Street and Pacific Highway in the Core-Columbia neighborhood of downtown San Diego. The 35-year-old woman was chasing her Chihuahua when the southbound trolley struck her. The pedestrian suffered facial fractures and a broken wrist, but is expected to survive. She was hospitalized for treatment. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured pedestrian. I wish her the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

San Diego Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 18 fatalities and 494 injuries involving San Diego pedestrian accidents. Also, countywide, pedestrian accidents claimed 57 lives and injured 937 people, during the same year.

Pedestrians' Right-of-Way

Based on this news report, it appears that the woman ran chasing after her dog. But it is unclear if she had the right-of-way at the intersection or if she was in a crosswalk at the time. California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: "Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard." The same section also states: "The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway."

Claim for Compensation

If the driver of the trolley was at fault here, then, the driver as well as his or her employer can be held liable for the pedestrian's injuries. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault party for damages including medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization costs, and physical therapy. Victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will provide them with more information about pursuing their legal rights. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Pedestrian Injured in San Diego Trolley Accident 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