Scott Bolger, 32, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Kosovo and the father of twin babies, was killed in a Canyon Lake hit-and-run crash early morning on December 14, 2013. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, Bolger was at a local tavern with his brother-in-law when he stepped out to have a cigarette. Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies say Bolger stepped into the street and was hit by a car whose driver did not stop. Anyone with information is asked to call Deputy Rabago at the Perris Sheriff’s Station at 951-210-1000.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Scott Bolger, especially his wife and 8-month-old twins. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Hit-and-Run Law
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver struck Bolger and then drove away without even stopping to help or look at what had happened to the victim. Appalling! Leaving the scene of a fatal crash is a serious offense under California law. California Vehicle Code 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
It also appears that officials do not have driver or vehicle description yet. Bolger’s widow has sent out a heart rending plea to the public to help find the driver who struck and killed her husband – and devastated their family. I certainly hope the driver is apprehended and brought to justice. If you have any information about this crash, please visit our dedicated hit-and-run website at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and to become eligible for a $1,000 reward.
Families of deceased hit-and-run victims are often left saddled with medical and funeral expenses, not to mention the grief of losing a loved one. In such cases, families of hit-and-run victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside 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 attorney will also be able to explain how the uninsured motorist clause of their auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run crash or to an incident where the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured.