A man in a motorized wheelchair was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident, which police report, was caused by a hit-and-run driver. According to an article in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the serious injury pedestrian accident occurred near the intersection of Paradise Valley Road and East 8th Street in National City the morning of December 25, 2010. The 57-year-old man was riding along the shoulder of Paradise Valley Road when he was struck from behind by a pickup truck. The 22-year-old driver, Joshua Becerra, left the scene of the accident. The victim sustained severe head injuries. Becerra has been arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run.
My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victim of this hit-and-run car accident. I wish him a complete and prompt recovery from his injuries.
San Diego Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 29 were injured in National City pedestrian accidents. During that same year, there were 63 fatalities and 998 injuries reported involving pedestrian accidents in San Diego County.
What Caused This Serious Pedestrian Accident?
It appears from the report that the driver, Becerra, veered off the roadway and struck the man in the motorized wheelchair, who was traveling on the shoulder of the roadway. Under California law, those operating motorized wheelchairs have the same rights and responsibilities as pedestrians.
Based on this news account, the driver not only veered off the roadway and struck the man, but also fled the scene of the car accident, leaving a disabled man with severe head injuries and lying on the roadway. Despicable! I’m relieved to hear that the driver in this case was apprehended. Leaving the scene of a car accident is not only inhumane and irresponsible, but also illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a).
Liability Issues
Injured victims of hit-and-run car accidents would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. Victims in such cases could seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages.
Seriously injured in a San Diego 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 National City pedestrian accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys San Diego 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.