A female pedestrian in her early 50s suffered major injuries after she was struck by a vehicle, which left the scene. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the hit-and-run crash occurred on April 8, 2013. California Highway Patrol officials say the woman was walking southbound on the shoulder of Marshall Street south of Fisher Street between Lake Mathews and Interstate 215 in Perris. A vehicle swerved into the right shoulder and struck the pedestrian, officials say. The vehicle has been identified as white with a missing right front mirror and possible damage to the right front side. Anyone who witnessed this crash or has information about the suspect is asked to call CHP officials are 951-637-8000.
Pedestrian Crash Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 11 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Perris. In Riverside County as a whole, 32 people died and 349 were injured due to pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Hit-and-Run Collision
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the white vehicle swerved into the shoulder and struck the pedestrian. This roadway in Perris does not have sidewalks, which forces pedestrians to walk on the dirt shoulder. It is not clear why this driver swerved into the shoulder. Did impairment, speed or distracted driving play a part in this incident?
Regardless of what caused this crash, it was important for the driver to remain at the scene of a crash. California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) requires motorists to stop and remain at the scene of the crash until authorities arrive, exchange information with other parties involved and most importantly, get help for injured victims. This driver did none of the above. Instead, he or she fled the scene leaving the injured woman on the roadway without care or attention, exposed to further danger.
Compensation for Injured Victims
Injured hit-and-run victims are often left holding the bills. In addition to recovering physically, they must also recover emotionally, often times not knowing who caused their plight. If you have been injured by a hit-and-run driver, an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your significant losses. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will be able to advise you regarding how your auto insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault driver is not found or in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.