A woman in her 20s was killed and another man was injured in a Huntington Beach car accident, which officials say involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in The Orange County register, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred early morning on July 22, 2011 at the intersection of Brookhurst Street and Atlanta Avenue.
Officials say the pedestrians were walking in a lighted crosswalk when they were struck by the driver, who was southbound on Brookhurst. The male suspect fled the scene, but was arrested three hours later in Laguna Beach on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. The woman died at the scene and the male victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Anyone who saw this collision is asked to contact Huntington Beach police at 714-536-5666.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of this deceased hit-and-run car accident victim. My heart also goes out to the injured victim. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Fatalities
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were five fatalities and 59 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Huntington Beach. In Orange County as a whole, 31 people died and 785 were injured due to pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Violations of the Law
Based on this news report, it appears that the victims were walking in a marked and lighted crosswalk when they were hit. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950, motorists are required to stop and yield right-of-way to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Not only did this driver fail to yield right-of-way, but he also fled the scene of a fatal accident. What kind of a person strikes and critically injures two people and then leaves them lying on the roadway without care or medical attention? Despicable!
Leaving the scene of an injury crash is also illegal. 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.” I’m relieved that this hit-and-run driver has been taken off our roadways and sincerely hope he will be brought to justice. I trust officials are also looking into whether the driver was under the influence. If that was the case, he could face additional criminal charges.
Holding Wrongdoers Accountable
Negligent drivers, in addition to facing criminal charges, can also be civilly liable for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims or families of deceased victims, in such cases, would be well-advised to contact an experienced Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.
Lost a family member in an Orange County hit-and-run car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Huntington Beach pedestrian accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Huntington Beach wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.
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