Dennis Kelly Timms, 61, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident, which officials say involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a KABC news report, the fatal hit-and-run accident occurred in the 8500 block of Calabash Avenue in Fontana, the night of February 8, 2012. California Highway Patrol officials say the man was walking outside his nursing home when a champagne-colored Lincoln Navigator with large chrome rims and tinted windows struck him. He was dragged about 75 feet before the car drove away. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Anyone with information about the incident or the hit-and-run driver is asked to call CHP officials at (800) TELL-CHP or (800) 835-5247.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Dennis Kelly Timms, who was killed in this horrendous hit-and-run car accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to CHP’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 44 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Fontana. During that same year, there were 39 fatalities and 440 injuries reported due to pedestrian accidents in San Bernardino County.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Based on this news report, the driver struck the pedestrian and dragged him approximately 75 feet before leaving him on the roadway to die. Appalling! Regardless of who was at fault, the law requires motorists to stop at the scene of a crash, wait until authorities arrive and most importantly, help the injured victim. In this case, the driver did none of the above, but fled the scene leaving this critically injured victim lying on the street, exposed to further danger.
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 Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable
I trust the driver in this case will soon be located and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. 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 as well as become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.
The family of a deceased hit-and-run victim would be well advised to speak with an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help protect their legal rights and best interests. A skilled 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.