California Injury Blog
A 20-year-old man was injured in a San Diego car accident involving a hit-and-run driver. According to a City News Service report, the hit-and-run collision occurred on Oleander Avenue near Alamitos Way in San Marcos, the evening of January 9, 2012. Officials say the man was skateboarding when the driver of a car struck him and fled the scene. The victim suffered head injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. The male driver admitted to hitting the skateboarder, shortly after the incident, and was taken into custody.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of the 20-year-old man who has been severely injured in this hit-and-run car accident. I wish him the very best for a complete and speedy recovery. Please keep him in your prayers.
San Diego Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), car accidents in the city of San Marcos caused three fatalities and injured 271 people. During that same year, there were 217 fatalities and 12,998 injuries reported due to car accidents in San Diego County.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
It is not clear from the report how this accident occurred or why the driver was unable to avoid the collision. It is clear though that the driver left the victim lying on the roadway, bleeding and with serious head injuries. Appalling! Not only is leaving the scene of an injury crash an unconscionable act, but it is also illegal.
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.”
Liability Issues
Victims of hit-and-run accidents would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. Seriously injured victims of car accidents can seek compensation from the at-fault party for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.