A 7-year-old boy was injured in an Orange County car accident, which police believe, was caused by an undocumented, unlicensed driver. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the pedestrian accident occurred the evening of October 16, 2010 in the 1000 block of Valencia in Costa Mesa. The young boy was playing soccer in an alley when he was struck by a car driven by 22-year-old Mauricio Rivera-Ibanez, who police believe was speeding at the time. Rivera-Ibanez was arrested on suspicion of driving without a valid license and was also placed on an immigration hold.
My heart goes out to this child and his family for what they are going through at this time. According to the report, the boy has suffered severe damage to his right leg and will need multiple surgeries to regain its use. I hope and pray that this child makes a speedy and complete recovery.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 60 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Costa Mesa. In Orange County as a whole, 31 people died and 785 were injured due to pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists
It is highly unlikely that Rivera-Ibanez, the undocumented and unlicensed driver, had any auto insurance coverage. Based on the news report, it appears that this driver was either driving inattentively or recklessly or both at the time of the car accident. I trust officials are also looking into whether he was driving under the influence.
In cases where the at-fault driver does not have car insurance or sufficient insurance coverage, car accident victims and their families would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will better explain their legal rights and options.
The uninsured motorist clause of the victim’s or his or her family’s auto insurance policy might be able to cover injuries, damages and losses caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist. In this particular case, the boy has sustained severe injuries and will, in addition to surgery, likely need continued medical treatment and rehabilitation. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a fully confidential initial consultation and comprehensive case evaluation at no charge to injured victims and their families.
Seriously injured in an Orange County car accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a Costa Mesa pedestrian accident. Call 866-310-5252. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Orange County personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.
Do you believe that undocumented and unlicensed drivers are a serious problem in your community?
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.