A 33-year-old woman was arrested after she left the scene of a Costa Mesa car accident that resulted in injuries to a bicyclist. According to a KTLA news report, Pratiti Renee Mehta, 33, has been charged with felony hit and run resulting in injury. Her arrest came after details about the incident were posted to social media, police officials said. Police officers and fire officials responded to the incident, which occurred at the intersection of Red Hill Avenue and Bristol Street the morning of March 20.
The 56-year-old male victim suffered a compound ankle fracture and was taken to a nearby hospital. The Costa Mesa Police Department released an image from surveillance footage showing a black vehicle traveling behind the cyclist and a still image that captured the car after the incident. Mehta was arrested after a tip from a member of the public who saw those photos on social media, police said. The agency said in its statement that this was a great example of how “see something, say something” works.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured bicyclist. We wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Leaving the Scene of the Crash
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver, Mehta, left the scene of the crash after striking and severely injuring the bicyclist. Also, based on surveillance footage, it appears that the driver may have rear-ended the bicyclist. We trust officials are looking into whether the driver was distracted, inattentive or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision.
In addition, it is illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) to leave the scene of a crash where someone has suffered an injury. Motorists are required to stop immediately, wait for the authorities to arrive and render aid to the injured victims.
Justice for Victims
Hit-and-run victims are often left dealing with mounting medical expenses and other financial challenges that accompany such a traumatic event. It can also be emotionally devastating for victims and their families, especially when a hit-and-run driver has not been apprehended or identified.
Injured victims of hit-and-run crashes can seek compensation from the at-fault parties for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitative treatment, permanent injuries, disfigurement and pain and suffering. An experienced Costa Mesa personal injury lawyer will be able to guide injured victims through what could be a complex claims process and help them obtain fair compensation for their losses.
Source: http://ktla.com/2018/03/20/police-search-for-driver-in-costa-mesa-hit-and-run-that-left-cyclist-injured/