California Highway Patrol officials are searching for the driver of a white sedan who they say fled a car accident scene on the 405 Freeway in Santa Ana that left two people dead Jan. 5. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal crash occurred the night of Jan. 5 on the northbound 405 Freeway just north of Harbor Boulevard. Officials say a silver Audi, which was traveling at a high rate of speed, made a lane change and collided with a Dodge Challenger before crashing into the center divider.
Authorities said the Audi came to rest in the carpool lane and was hit by a Mercury sedan, causing the driver of the Audi, a 42-year-old man, to be ejected onto the freeway. The man was then hit by a white sedan, which fled the scene. The man and a passenger in the Audi, a 46-year-old woman, both died from their injuries. CHP officials say the sedan would have front-end damage. Anyone with information is asked to contact 714-567-6000.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members and friends of the two deceased victims of this crash. We wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
What the Law Requires
Based on this news report, it appears that one of the drivers fled the scene. Leaving the scene of an injury or fatal crash is a felony crime under California law. California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) requires motorists to stop immediately at the scene of a crash and exchange pertinent information with all parties involved such as driver’s license, insurance details, vehicle license plate number, registration, contact information, etc.
Drivers are also required to render aid to those injured. This might be something as simple as calling 911 so the injured person or persons get the medical aid they need. Timely medical assistance can make the difference between life and death in traffic accident cases.
Justice for Victims and Families
Injured hit-and-run victims and families of deceased hit-and-run victims go through significant emotional trauma being unable to hold the at-fault parties accountable. They also face significant financial pressures being faced with a number of unforeseen expenses. An experienced Orange County car accident lawyer can help victims seek compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of their own auto insurance policies, particularly in cases where the driver hasn’t been apprehended or in instances where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.
Source:https://www.ocregister.com/2018/01/06/authorities-searching-for-suspected-hit-and-run-driver-in-fatal-i-405-crash/