A woman was seriously injured in an Orange County car accident after a driver, who officials say was under the influence, struck her and then fled the scene. The Orange County Register reports that the injury collision happened the afternoon of May 14, 2010 at Avenida Pico and El Camino Real in San Clemente. The victim was taken to an area hospital for treatment of her injuries. She is expected to survive. Police are describing the hit-and-run vehicle as a Saab. No one has been taken into custody yet.
I sympathize with this injured pedestrian. I hope her injuries were not catastrophic and pray that she recovers quickly and completely.
Pedestrian Accidents
In Orange County, 31 fatalities and 785 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol’s traffic accident statistics. In San Clemente, two people died and 14 were injured due to pedestrian accidents in 2008.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident
It is not clear from this newspaper report how officials know that the driver of the Saab was under the influence. However, if that was the case, the driver could not only face felony drunk driving charges, but also hit-and-run charges for leaving the scene of the accident. Under California law, motorists have the responsibility to remain at the scene, wait for authorities to arrive, exchange important information and get help for the injured victim.
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.”
Protecting Victims’ Rights
In such cases, injured car accident victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental entity responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a governmental entity must be filed within six months of the incident.
What are some of the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in your city or neighborhood?
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.