Police are searching for two vehicles, which they say were involved in a hit-and-run crash in Santa Ana that left a family injured. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the incident occurred the night of September 21, 2017 when a black Jeep and a white pickup truck crashed at the intersection of First and Raitt streets. Police say the Jeep careened out of control and drove up onto the sidewalk where it struck a man and his two children.
The man suffered a broken leg. One child, a 2-year-old got a bump on the head and the other child, 10, had scratches on his arms and legs. All three were transported to a local hospital. The two vehicles fled the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact Santa Ana police at 714-245-8665. The incident is still under investigation.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his man and his two children who were injured. We wish them a speedy and complete recovery.
Hit-and-Run Law
Based on this news report, it appears that both vehicles that were responsible for causing the victims’ injuries fled the scene of the crash. Leaving the scene of a crash is illegal 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.”
If You Have Been Injured
Any car accident can be a traumatic experience. Hit-and-run accident victims in particular struggle because they are faced with mounting medical expenses and all the other challenges accident victims face. But, they have no one to hold accountable. This can be extremely emotionally taxing for victims and their families.
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run crash, there are a number of steps you can take in order to protect your legal rights. First, make sure you file a police report and obtain a copy for your records. Try to write down a quick description of the driver and vehicle or vehicles involved including physical descriptions, the color, make and model of the vehicles and license plate numbers. Even a partial license plate number can be extremely helpful. Get prompt medical care and attention for your injuries.
Contact an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help protect your legal rights and options. A knowledgeable attorney will also be able to advise you about how your auto insurance policy might apply to a hit and run crash where the driver has not been identified or in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.