California Injury Blog
A woman was critically injured in a hit-and-run accident in Laguna Niguel early on the morning of July 9.
According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the major injury collision occurred along Crown Valley Parkway between Golden Lantern and Nueva Vista. The driver did not stop to help the victim. According to authorities, the woman was not in a crosswalk when she was hit.
She was taken to a hospital with major injuries.
Ongoing Investigation into Laguna Niguel Hit and Run
Investigators say the vehicle involved in the crash was a dark-colored 2014 to 2018 Subaru Forester with damage to the front right side and side-view mirror. The SUV reportedly continued westbound on Crown Valley Parkway toward Pacific Coast Highway following the crash. Anyone with information about the crash or the SUV is asked to contact 714-647-7000.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured pedestrian accident victim. We wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Laws and Liability Issues
While the law requires pedestrians to walk in designated areas such as crosswalks, drivers also have a responsibility to exercise a duty of care regardless of whether or not pedestrians are in crosswalks. California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: “Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard.” The same section also states: “The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway.”
Hit-and-run laws are the same for all drivers – whether they drive passenger vehicles or commercial vehicles. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), it is illegal to leave the scene of an injury or fatal crash. Under the law, motorists are required to stop immediately and remain at the scene until authorities arrive. They are also required to exchange pertinent information with the other parties involved and most importantly, render aid to the injured victims.
In such cases, victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering, and loss of love, care, and companionship. An experienced Orange County car accident lawyer will also be able to advise families about how their own auto insurance policy might apply in a case where the driver hasn’t been identified.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2022/07/09/suv-sought-in-laguna-niguel-hit-and-run/