Authorities have identified a man who sustained serious injuries in a bicycle accident in San Marcos the morning of July 10, 2010 as Paul Michael Terpolilli. The North County Times reports that Terpolilli was found near his mangled bicycle on Twin Oaks Valley Road. He was in cardiac arrest after having been hit by a car. The driver of the car that hit him did not stop at the scene. Terpolilli was taken to an area medical center with serious injuries.
My heart goes out to Paul Michael Terpolilli and his family members during this tough time. I hope he has not suffered catastrophic injuries and pray that he recovers quickly and completely.
Hit-and-Run Statistics
According to the California Highway Patrol’s traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California in 2008. A majority of these car accidents involved injuries. There were 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run crashes all over California.
The Law Relating to Hit-and-Run Collisions
According to California Vehicle Code 20001 (a): “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.” The law states drivers are required to stop and remain at the scene of the accident regardless of who caused the accident. In this particular case, it appears that the driver made a conscious decision to leave the bicyclist lying injured on the street.
It would be in the best interests of victims in such cases to seek the counsel of an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that they are compensated for their injuries, damages and losses. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a initial comprehensive consultation at no charge to injured victims and their families.
In your opinion, what steps can be taken to encourage the public to come forward with information about hit-and-run suspects?
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.