Jesus Esparza Delgado, 65, was critically injured in a Ventura car accident after his bicycle was hit by a vehicle, whose driver then fled the scene. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, the major injury collision occurred when Delgado was riding his bike south on Nardo Street in Saticoy, the afternoon of April 26, 2010. A driver heading north on Nardo turned left and struck Delgado who was in the crosswalk at Wells Road. California Highway Patrol officials said the impact from the collision threw Delgado into the car’s window and then into the roadway. He was apparently not wearing a helmet.
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Hit-and-Run Driver Leaves Victim Injured
The driver sped from the scene without even making an attempt to stop. Delgado was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in critical condition. The suspect was last seen heading west on Wells Road toward Highway 126. The hit-and-run vehicle was described as a dark gray compact, possibly a Nissan Sentra with a partial license plate of 2GW997. Witnesses also said two men in their 20s were in the hit-and run vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to call CHP officials at 805-477-4100.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Jesus Esparza Delgado for what they are going through at this time. I sincerely hope Delgado has not sustained any catastrophic injuries and pray that he makes a speedy and complete recovery. He will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
There were no fatalities, but seven injuries involving bicycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County, in 2008, according to CHP’s traffic accident statistics. Countywide, bicycle accidents claimed two lives and injured 307 people during the same year.
Laws and Liability Issues
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law. 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.” Motorists are required to stop at the scene of a crash, irrespective of whose fault the accident was. I trust this hit-and-run driver will soon be apprehended and brought to justice.
In such cases, victims or their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Ventura car accident lawyer, who will stay on top of the investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims and their families about how their own car insurance policy could apply to a hit-and-run crash or an incident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
What steps can local law enforcement take in order to encourage the public to report hit-and-run drivers?
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is 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 us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.