California Injury Blog
A 7-year-old girl was seriously injured in an Orange County car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while playing with a friend in front of her Dana Point home. The Orange County Register reports that the injury collision happened near La Paz Avenue and Silver Lantern Street the evening of May 10, 2010. The driver of the pickup or “military-style” truck that hit the girl did not stop and fled the scene of the collision. The child was transported to an area hospital. If you witnessed this collision or have information about the suspect vehicle or driver, please contact police at 949-425-1860.
I sympathize deeply with this young victim and her family. I wish this victim the very best for a quick and complete recovery from her injuries. She and her family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I trust officials will soon apprehend this hit-and-run suspect and bring him or her to justice.
Hit-and-Run Statistics
According to the California Highway Patrol’s traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California in 2008. A majority of these collisions involved injuries. There were 247 deaths in 2008 and 243 in 2004 involving hit-and-run collisions.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident
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.” Drivers are required by law to stop at the scene, remain until authorities arrive and get help for the injured victim. The driver in this case did none of the above, but left an injured child on the roadway.
Liability Issues
In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, injured victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment and other related damages. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families about how their own car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run collision or an incident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
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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.