California Injury Blog
California Highway Patrol officials in San Diego County are looking for a hit-and-run driver who struck and ran over bicyclist, 30-year-old Edward Costa in Alpine on December 2, 2008. According to this NBC news report, the 12/2/08 fatal San Diego bicycle accident occurred along Alpine Boulevard near Rock Terrace Road. Costa was traveling eastbound when a vehicle swerved into the bike lane, struck Costa and ran him over. The driver then sped away from the scene of the crash. Costa was taken to an area hospital where he later passed away.
CHP officials said Costa was thrown 40 feet from where his bicycle came to rest and probably 50 to 60 feet away from the original point of impact. The hit-and-run vehicle is described as a late model white truck or SUV with a white and red license plate. If you saw this accident or believe you have information about the hit-and-run driver, please call CHP in San Diego, or give my office a call and we can pass on your tip to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
My heart goes out to the family of Edward Costa. Here was a hard working man, a husband and a father of two young children. He was an innocent man going about his business and only to be run down by someone who not only hit him, but also left him to die on the street. Heartbreaking!
I sincerely hope the hit-and-run driver is apprehended and brought to justice. This driver should be held both criminally and civilly responsible for the death of Edward Costa. Not only is it inhumane and downright despicable to hit someone and leave them injured and unattended on a public roadway, but it is against California law. 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.” If the driver who hit Costa was operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they will most likely face criminal vehicular manslaughter and felony DUI charges as well.
Edward Costa’s family should definitely retain the services of a reputed California bicycle accident attorney, who will secure justice and fair compensation for them as well as holding the wrongdoers accountable. This family has probably lost its primary breadwinner. They need a knowledgeable car accident attorney who will also look at other factors that may have caused this accident such as a dangerous condition on the roadway. If it is determined that a hazardous roadway condition may have played a part in this accident, then the government agency responsible for maintaining that Alpine roadway could be held liable. Any claim against such a government agency must be promptly filed within six months of the accident.