California Injury Blog
A couple was arrested in connection with a hit-and-run pedestrian accident in Huntington Beach that left a 66-year-old man dead.
According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the collision occurred on Pacific Coast Highway near 24th Street on the evening of Dec. 19. Police arrived at the scene and found the pedestrian deceased at the scene.
Ongoing Investigation
Traffic investigators working at the intersection were approached later that night by 39-year-old Kimberly Burch of Surfside who informed them she was driving the gray 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee that hit the man who died. But as officers were talking to her, information came out during the conversation that led them to the conclusion that it was her husband who was actually driving.
She and her husband, 37-year-old Daniel Burch, were taken into custody. He was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run resulting in death and she was suspected of acting as an accessory to a crime after the fact and making a false report of a crime, police said. No further information was available. The investigation is ongoing.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased hit-and-run victim. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Laws and Liability Issues
Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), it is illegal for motorists to leave the scene of an injury or fatal collision. The law further states that drivers should stop immediately in these cases remain at the scene until the authorities arrive, exchange relevant information with other parties involved, and most importantly, get help for the injured victims. This might be as simple as calling 911 so the injured person gets prompt medical attention, which could make the difference between life and death.
Leaving the scene of an accident where someone has been hurt or killed is unacceptable from all angles. “I panicked” or “I was scared” simply aren’t good enough excuses when it comes to the law. Drivers are required to remain at the scene even if they believe they didn’t cause the accident or the other person was at fault.
If you have lost a loved one in a hit-and-run crash, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering, and loss of love, care, and companionship. An experienced Huntington Beach hit-and-run lawyer will be able to help injured victims and their families better understand their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2021/12/20/couple-arrested-in-fatal-huntington-beach-hit-and-run-crash/