A teenage bicyclist was injured in a Costa Mesa car accident, which officials say involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury bicycle crash occurred the morning of April 17, 2012 near Harbor Boulevard and Gisler Avenue. Police say the youth suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the collision. The suspect vehicle is described as a gray four-door sedan, either a Nissan or a Toyota, with minor front-end damage. Anyone with information about the crash or the driver is asked to contact Costa Mesa police at 714-754-5281.
I’m relieved to note that the teen was not critically injured in this hit-and-run car accident. I wish this young victim the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 104 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Costa Mesa. In Orange County as a whole, bicycle accidents claimed 12 lives and caused 1,199 injuries, during the same year.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Based on the news account, it appears that the driver of the sedan struck the young bicyclist and took off without stopping. California law requires motorists involved in accidents to stop immediately and remain at the scene until authorities arrive. Drivers are also required to exchange information with other parties involved and most importantly, help the injured victim. In this case, the driver chose to do none of the above. Instead, the driver left a teenager injured and lying on the roadway, exposed to more danger. Appalling!
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 Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable
I trust this driver will soon be apprehended and brought to justice. If you have any information about this incident, please visit our dedicated hit-and-run web site at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and also become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.
Victims of hit-and-run crashes would be well advised to contact an experienced Costa Mesa personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also be able to advise victims about how their own car insurance policy might apply to an incident where the driver has not been apprehended, or in a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.