California Injury Blog
A 39-year-old driver has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run accident, which resulted in the death of 48-year-old Juan Ramirez Garcia who was jogging along the road next to Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley. The Orange County Register reports that police got several leads about the fatal hit-and-run. Officials located the hit-and-run vehicle in Westminster.
The registered owner of the vehicle was interviewed and later arrested on suspicion of felony hit and run and vehicular manslaughter. The jogger was found by police officers the night of August 23 near the intersection of Brookhurst Street and Heil Avenue. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is urged to call 714-593-4487.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family members of Juan Ramirez Garcia for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
It is against California law to leave the scene of an injury or fatal hit-and-run crash. 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 requires motorists to stop immediately, remain at the scene of the crash, exchange pertinent information with other parties involved in the collision and most importantly, obtain medical aid for the injured victim. This could be something as simple as calling 911. The speed at which an accident victim received medical assistance could make the difference between life and death.
Fault and Liability Issues
In such cases, the family of a deceased victim may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Such lawsuits are brought by survivors of deceased victims and seek compensation for damages such as lost future income, medical and funeral costs, and loss of love, care and companionship. An experienced Orange County hit and run lawyer will also be able to advise you regarding how your auto insurance policy might work in a hit-and-run case or in a situation where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. The best auto accident law firms will always offer a free consultation and case evaluation to injured victims and their families.