Jose Javier Diaz, 55, was fatally injured in a Santa Ana car accident after he was struck by two vehicles while crossing the street. According to a CBS news report, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred in the 400 block of South Broadway Street, the night of January 28, 2012. Police say Diaz was walking across Broadway when a white pickup truck traveling northbound hit him, knocking him into the southbound lane where a green Ford Mustang with a black convertible top struck him. Both, the pickup truck and the Ford left the scene. Anyone with information about this incident or the about the hit-and-run vehicles is asked to call Santa Ana police at 714-245-8701.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Jose Javier Diaz, who was killed in this hit-and-run car accident. The report states that Diaz was a U.S. Navy veteran. Heartbreaking! Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were seven fatalities and 145 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Santa Ana. In Orange County as a whole, 41 people died and 864 were injured due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Based on this news report, it is unclear as to where Diaz was crossing the street. But, regardless of whose fault this accident was, the two drivers who struck Diaz were required by law to stop immediately and remain at the scene of the crash. Under the law, motorists are required to stop, remain at the scene, exchange information with other parties and most importantly, render aid to the injured victim. However in this case, both the drivers chose to flee the scene leaving the critically injured Diaz lying on the roadway. Unconscionable!
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 Wrongdoers Accountable
I trust officials will soon locate these hit-and-run drivers and bring them to justice. If you have any information about these drivers or vehicles, please visit our dedicated hit-and-run web site at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.
Families of deceased hit-and-run victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Santa Ana personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to this pedestrian accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. Please remember that any California personal injury or wrongful death claim must be filed within 180 days of the incident.