Police have arrested a 76-year-old man in connection with a San Diego car accident the night of February 25, 2010 involving a 56-year-old woman who was struck and seriously injured. According to a 10News report, the pedestrian was walking across Market Street at 42nd Street, in Mount Hope, when the driver struck the woman. Officials said the man had run a red light when the accident occurred, but he sped away from the scene. He was later arrested in Santee. The woman sustained serious injuries to her face and leg.
I hope that this pedestrian did not suffer major injuries in this collision. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery from her injuries. She will certainly be in my prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 23 fatalities and 533 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Diego. Countywide, pedestrian accidents claimed 63 lives and injured 998 people during the same year.
Serious Violations
If the details of this news report are accurate, the 76-year-old ran a red light, struck this victim who was crossing at an intersection and then fled the scene of an accident. If that is true, he could and should be held liable for the accident and the woman’s serious injuries.
Running a red light is a serious traffic violation in California. There are various California Vehicle Code sections that are part of what we commonly refer to as “rules of the road.” These code sections address motorists’ behavior at intersections, especially those controlled by traffic signals. California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a) states: “A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown.”
Leaving the scene of an accident is also a serious crime under California 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.”
Claim for Compensation
The victim and her family would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer who will get them the justice and the compensation they rightfully deserve. The family will soon be faced with bills for the medical treatment and hospitalization costs for this victim’s critical injuries. If the driver turns out to be uninsured or underinsured, then, the victim could receive compensation through the uninsured/underinsured motorist provision of her own car insurance or any other policy in her household that she has coverage under. A knowledgeable injury lawyer will be able to advise the victim and her family about how to proceed with these types of insurance claims, which can be difficult and confusing.
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.