Gerardo Rodriguez, 49, was injured in a Ventura car accident after he was struck in a crosswalk by a sport utility vehicle, who witnesses say, ran a red light. According to a news report in The Ventura County Star, Rodriguez was using the crosswalk at Oxnard Boulevard and Colonia Road the night of July 25, 2010, when he was hit by the SUV. Those who saw the accident told Oxnard police officials that the SUV went through a red light, struck Rodriguez and then fled the scene of the crash.
Numerous eyewitnesses provided the license plate number for the SUV, helping police make an arrest shortly after the accident. Officials held 21-year-old Jose Vega on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. He apparently admitted to police that he left the scene because he was scared. Rodriguez was transported to an area hospital for treatment and is said to be in stable condition.
I wish Gerardo Rodriguez the very best for a quick and complete recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
In 2008, there were 65 bicycle accident injuries in Oxnard, according to California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Ventura County as a whole, two people died and 307 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.
Car Accident Laws
Leaving the scene of an accident or hit-and-run is a serious crime 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.” The law also requires that motorists stop, remain at the scene until authorities arrive and administer aid to the injured victim. In this particular case, the driver is also believed to have run a red light, which is a major traffic violation under California Vehicle Code section 21453 (a).
In such cases, injured victims and their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Ventura personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise injured victims about how their own car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run collision or to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.
Have you ever acted as a witness to an accident? We would like to hear about your experiences.
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.