Jose Luis Baxin-Campechano, 28, died in an Oxnard pedestrian accident after a motorist struck him when he was walking in a marked crosswalk, the Ventura County Star reports in this article. Baxin-Campechano was struck the evening of February 7, 2009 by a gray sport utility vehicle. The driver fled the scene, but was later identified as Noberto Carranza Hernandez, 61.
Officials said Baxin-Campechano lay motionless on the roadway when a second driver, 24-year-old Liliana Garcia Camacho, 24, ran over him. She immediately stopped and called authorities. She has not been charged, but Hernandez was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. Baxin-Campechano was taken to an area hospital where he died from blunt-force injuries.
My heart goes out to the family of Jose Luis Baxin-Campechano for their heartbreaking loss. According to the news report Baxin-Campechano was supporting his wife and three children in Veracruz, Mexico, with money he made from picking strawberries here in Ventura County. Please keep this man’s grieving family in your prayers.
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime under California law. A motorist is required to remain at the scene of the accident, exchange information with other parties and if involved in an injury accident, is required to provide any possible assistance to the injured party. This could entail something as basic as calling 911 so that the injured person gets medical attention right away.
According to the California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a): “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.”
Baxin-Campechano was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. California Vehicle Code section 21950 states that a motorist is required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians who are crossing at an intersection – be it a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Not only did Hernandez break that law, but he also fled the accident scene. Had he remained and gotten help, the other motorist may not have struck Baxin-Campechano and he may have had a chance to survive.
The family of Baxin-Campechano would be well-advised to seek the help of an experienced Ventura County personal injury lawyer who will help them secure compensation to cover medical/funeral expenses and loss of wages.