Traffic Accident News

A motorcyclist suffered leg injuries after he was struck by the driver of the sedan, who then left the scene. According to a news report in The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the injury collision occurred the night of June 13, 2013 at the intersection of Eastbury and Workman avenues in Covina. The motorcyclist was traveling westbound on Workman Avenue while a car was going east.

The car made a left turn on to Eastbury Avenue and struck the motorcyclist. The driver did not stop. The motorcyclist, a Glendora man, suffered major injuries to a leg and was transported to an area hospital. Police have described the vehicle as a dark-colored BMW, possibly blue. No driver description was available.

Continue reading "Covina Hit and Run Crash Injures Motorcyclist" »

A woman suffered serious injuries, but is expected to survive after she was struck by a vehicle whose driver fled the scene. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and La Palma Avenue the evening of January 30, 2013. The woman was transported to a trauma center with serious injuries, but is expected to survive. The driver has not been found. The investigation is ongoing.

Hit-and-Run Collisions

According to California Highway Patrol's (SWITRS), 147 deaths and 19,009 injuries reported as a result of hit-and-run car accidents statewide. In Orange County, traffic accidents claimed 100 lives and caused 13,368 injuries in 2010.

Hit-and-run incidents have risen to epidemic proportions in Southern California over the last five years or so. Leaving the scene of an injury crash is not only an inhumane and irresponsible act, but it is also illegal. 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."

Holding Wrongdoers Accountable

I certainly hope officials are able to apprehend this driver and bring him or her to justice. If you have any information about this hit-and-run crash in Anaheim, please visit our dedicated hit-and-run website at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and to become eligible for a $1,000 reward.

Hit-and-run victims, particularly pedestrians, suffer major injuries in collisions. Pedestrians often sustain injuries such as head trauma, broken bones, spinal and neck injuries and internal organ damage. In such cases, victims usually have no one to hold accountable until the hit-and-run suspect is found. Victims and their families are stuck with severe financial burdens such as medical bills and lost earnings. Injured victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury attorney who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are upheld.

In cases where the hit-and-run driver is not found, injured victims may be able to seek compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of the victim's own auto insurance policy. In addition, if a dangerous roadway condition caused the accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable.

A 37-year-old Caltrans worker was hit by a car at a construction site when a car veered onto the shoulder of the road and remains in critical condition at a local hospital,
according to ABC News.

The accident occurred when the 32-year-old driver from Moreno Valley veered from traffic patterns and struck the worker then fled the scene of the accident. The Caltrans worker was rushed to the hospital having sustained major injuries. Police gave chase to the vehicle and were able to apprehend the driver about a mile from the crash site. He has been arrested for felony DUI and hit-and-run and booked at a local jail.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

DUI and Hit-and-Run Go Hand-in-Hand

Drivers are far more likely to flee the scene of an accident if they have no license, have been drinking or using drugs, have no insurance, or are wanted on other charges, according to a recent report by the American Automobile Association. These drivers present a menace to society in general but are particularly concentrated in southern California, where about 45 percent of all accidents involve unlicensed drivers and about

25 percent involve DUI suspects.

When a person is driving under the influence, he or she loses the ability to think rationally and clearly. This is a large factor in a driver choosing to flee the scene of an accident; many people panic and simply run away, hoping to undo the damage that has been done by denying its existence.

California Has Strict DUI and Hit-and-Run Laws

California law provides severe penalties for those who consume alcohol or take drugs and get behind the wheel. California law also punishes those who leave the scene of an accident. In fact, under California law, it is a felony to leave the scene of an accident with injuries and it is also a felony to cause injury or death while intoxicated.

However, these laws are only effective when they can be enforced. When a driver flees the scene of an accident, it is very important that witnesses come forward to help police identify and charge the driver for his or her actions. To this end, the Hit-and-Run Reward program was designed to allow people to call or log in anonymously and claim a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of hit-and-run drivers. Witnesses can call 1-800-644-8678 or visit the program's website to participate.

What Can I Collect For Injuries Sustained in An Accident?

If you have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk or careless driver, you have the right to collect damages. This can include payment of your medical bills, including those immediately following the accident and those that are projected for the long term such as physical therapy costs. You may also be entitled to collect money for your increased living costs while you recuperate. Finally, you may be entitled to payment for your pain and suffering as well as punitive damages in some cases. A personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and how to collect these payments.

Police and onlookers watched in amazement as the driver in a hit-and-run accident attempted to flee the scene in a flaming truck. According to NBC News, the truck driver slammed into another vehicle then fled with his own truck on fire, eventually abandoning the vehicle as it burned.

"That Truck Is On Fire!"

The initial crash took place between a pickup truck and a sport utility vehicle on Carmenita Road at South Street, according to the California Highway Patrol. There were three passengers in the SUV and one individual in the pickup truck. Although details of the crash were sketchy, what is clear is that after the crash the engine of the pickup truck began smoldering, with smoke visibly exiting the engine compartment and suggesting the vehicle was on fire.

However, the driver of the pickup fled the scene despite the fire in his vehicle's engine. As he drove, air apparently fanned the flames, causing them to become much heavier. At Indiana Street and Orangethorpe Avenue, the driver eventually exited the vehicle, unable to endure the fire any longer. He was arrested at that location with a minor laceration to his face. There is no word that he suffered any injuries from the fire itself.
The three victims in the SUV were taken to the hospital as a precaution. However, there is no word that their injuries appear to be life-threatening.

Hit-and-Run an Epidemic in California

Recent reports on hit-and-run drivers highlight the extent of this problem in California. According to a white paper published by the American Auto Association, up to half of the drivers in California who are involved in hit-and-run accidents are unlicensed, and almost half of all accidents involve a hit-and-run driver. If these figures are representative of the typical experience of California drivers, you have a one in four chance of being the victim of a hit-and-run driver with no license or insurance.

Because of the high numbers of hit-and-run drivers and the problems they create for law-abiding citizens, it is extremely important that those who witness these accidents give authorities as much cooperation as possible. There are easy ways for witnesses to turn in hit-and-run drivers anonymously, including the Hit-and-Run Reward program. Witnesses can call 1-800-644-8678 or visit the website to report hit-and-run accidents. There are rewards available of up to $1,000 for information leading to the conviction of a driver who has committed a hit-and-run.

In many cases, these drivers are identified by friends or family members rather than those who witness the accident. If someone in your family or one of your friends has been involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is always better for that person to contact authorities and surrender rather than continue to deny the facts of the case.

If you have been injured by a hit-and-run driver, there are still ways you can collect money for your medical bills and other expenses. Talk to a hit-and-run accident attorney immediately to find out what you can do to recover damages.

A contract worker for Caltrans suffered critical injuries after officials say he was struck by a drunk driver who left the scene of the crash. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the major injury crash occurred the night of January 14, 2013 in a construction zone off Highway 91 in Riverside. California Highway Patrol officials say the man, a contract worker for Orange County-based Sema Construction Company, was working on the Highway 91 carpool expansion. The worker was setting up cones at the off-ramp near 14th Street when he was hit by a car that sped away from the scene before firefighters arrived.

Officials say the driver never attempted to stop or hit the brakes. But he stopped a mile away near Central Avenue where he was arrested. The worker was hospitalized with severe injuries and remains hospitalized with life threatening injuries. Caltrans workers had trucks on the side of the freeway with flashing lights and arrowboards diverting other drivers to the detour.

Fatal Crashes Involving Caltrans Workers

Caltrans workers have been the victims of several crashes in recent years. On April 4, a 21-year-old Corona resident was killed along the 10 Freeway in Baldwin Park when a suspected drunk driver struck him. In July 2011, Barry Steele, another Caltrans worker died after a women drove her car down a closed entrance ramp on Highway 91 and struck him. Also, in 2011, two San Diego County Caltrans workers and one in Imperial County were killed highway crashes while on the job.

Laws and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver in this case was operating under the influence of alcohol and left the scene of the crash without stopping to help the critically injured victim. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. It is also against the law to leave the scene of an injury or fatal accident.

In such cases, injured workers can seek workers' compensation benefits from their employer. In addition, they may also be able to file a third-party claim against a negligent party other than employer such as a contractor or in this case, the at-fault motorist. Injured victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the injured victim's rights are protected. Victims in such cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities and pain and suffering.

A man in his 70s was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Santa Ana after he was struck by a vehicle while taking his morning walk. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal collision occurred early morning on January 10, 2013 in the area of Orange and Edinger avenues. Police officers say they found the man lying on the roadway when they arrived at the scene. There are no witnesses or suspects at this point. Neighbors say the man regularly took early morning walks. Based on the wreckage left the at the scene, police say the suspect vehicle appears to be a dark blue, 1995 BMW 740 iL with front-end damage.

Hit-and-Run Law

Not only is it an inhumane and irresponsible act to leave the scene of an accident, but it is also illegal. California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) requires motorists involved in accidents to stop and remain at the scene of the crash until the authorities arrive. In addition, they must exchange information with other parties and most importantly, help the injured victim. In this particular case, it appears that the driver struck and critically injured victim and then left him lying on the roadway without care or medical attention. Despicable!

Anonymous Tips

I certainly hope that officials are able to apprehend this hit-and-run driver and bring him or her to justice. If you witnessed this incident or have any information about the suspect or the vehicle, please visit our dedicated hit-and-run website at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and to become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.

Contacting an Injury Lawyer

Hit-and-run victims or their families are often left with severe emotional and financial burdens. Victims or their families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Santa Ana, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to explain to victims and their families how their own auto insurance policy might apply to an incident where the hit-and-run driver is not found or in cases where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

Police are looking for a hit-and-run driver who they say struck and seriously injured a wheelchair-bound woman in Laguna Hills. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the incident occurred the afternoon of December 17, 2012 near Calle de la Plata and Calle de la Louisa, about a block away from Saddleback Memorial Hospital. The 56-year-old woman suffered broken bones in her legs and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Witnesses told police that they saw the driver stop briefly after the crash and then drive away from the area. The driver was only described as an elderly man. The investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victim of this car accident. I wish her the very best for a quick and full recovery.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

There were no fatalities, but five injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Laguna Hills, according to California Highway Patrol's 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 32 people died and 770 were injured due to pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the car struck a woman who was in a wheelchair and then left her lying on the roadway without even stopping to help. Appalling! What kind of a person would leave an injured, disabled woman lying on the street without care or medical attention? Leaving the scene of a crash is not only inhumane and irresponsible, but also illegal.

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."

Holding Wrongdoers Accountable

I certainly hope the driver in this case is apprehended and brought to justice. If you have any information, please visit our website at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and to become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward. This site is a part of our effort to partner with the community and law enforcement to help catch hit-and-run drivers and hold them accountable.

Injured victims of hit-and-run crashes are often left without too many options. Victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their own auto insurance policies will apply to a hit-and-run accident.

December 4, 2012--Reseda, California--A young man whose dream was to be a firefighter and help others was run down by a hit-and-run driver on Sunday, and his mother is pleading with the driver to come forward.

Continue reading "Reseda Hit-and-Run Kills Firefighter" »

November 26, 2012—Anaheim, California—Police are searching for the driver involved in a hit-and-run accident that began after a fight in a parking garage, according to ABC News.

Continue reading "Anaheim Hit-and-Run Ends in Critical Injuries" »

A 69-year-old woman was killed in a Riverside County car accident, which officials say involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a CBS news article, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred the morning of September 21, 2012 near Brookridge Lane and Washington Street in Murrieta. California Highway Patrol officials said the woman was found lying on the side of Brookridge. Family members went in search of the woman after she failed to return home. The injuries to the woman were consistent with being struck by a motor vehicle. The victim was rushed to the hospital, but was pronounced dead. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact CHP's Temecula office at 951-506-2000.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family members and friends of this deceased hit-and-run victim. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "Woman Killed in Riverside County Hit-and-Run Collision" »

Two people have been injured in a hit-and-run collision, which officials say occurred at a bus stop in Sun Valley. According to a CBS news account, the injury crash occurred at the southeast corner of San Fernando Road and Sheldon Street. Officials say a car was traveling south on Sheldon the morning of September 22, 2012, when it made a left onto San Fernando and lost control, striking a man and woman who were at the bus stop. Both victims were transported to area hospitals after one complained of pain and the other victim possibly sustained a broken leg. At least one person was detained. It is not clear if other suspects are being sought.

My heart goes out to the injured victims of this Los Angeles car accident. I wish them the very best for a speedy and full recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading "Sun Valley Hit-and-Run Crash Injures Two" »

Police are looking for a driver who they say caused a car accident in Orange after running a red light and hitting a 9-year-old girl who was walking in a crosswalk. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the hit-and-run crash occurred at the intersection of West Collins Avenue and North Glassell Street, the afternoon of September 19, 2012. Police say the girl was walking with her 10-year-old brother. The children had waited on the northeast corner of the intersection for the light to change. They were walking southbound in the crosswalk wen the driver of the sedan went through a red light and struck the girl who was about 5 feet from the curb.

She sustained bruises on her face and was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Witnesses told police that the driver stopped briefly about 100 yards west of the intersection and then drove away. The vehicle has been described as a dark sedan, which has damage on its passenger side and a broken window. Anyone who saw this accident or has information about the driver is asked to contact Orange police at 714-744-7444.

Continue reading "Hit-and-Run Collision in Orange Injures 9-year-old Girl" »

A boy and a girl, both 14, were injured in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a City News Service report, the injury pedestrian collision occurred at the intersection of Vanowen Street and Ranchito Avenue, the morning of September 18, 2012. The teens were walking in a crosswalk when a small, older-model, green pickup truck, possibly Nissan, struck them and left the scene. The children were transported to a local hospital. They are expected to survive. Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division detectives at 818-644-8020.

My heart goes out to these two young hit-and-run victims and their families for what they are going through at this time. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "Teens Injured in Van Nuys Hit-and-Run Collision" »

Dion Levar, 49, was killed in a Victorville car accident, which officials say involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a news article in The Victorville Daily Press, the fatal incident occurred early morning on September 15, 2012 near the intersection of Mojave Drive and West Trail. Levar was found lying on the roadside by a passing ambulance driver and pronounced dead. The driver who struck Levar had fled the scene. The incident is under investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

My heartfelt condolences go out to everyone who knew and loved Dion Levar for their terrible loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Killed in Victorville Hit-and-Run Collision" »

August 30, 2012—San Clemente, CA—A 16-year-old skateboarder fell from his board and was run over by a driver who then left the scene of the pedestrian accident, according to NBC News sources.

The accident occurred at the intersection of Ola Vista and Avenida Santa Barbara when a woman driving a gold Lexus ran over Hunter Bogert then dragged him ten or 15 feet. When a witness, Connor Covey, saw the incident, he ran over to the driver and pounded on her window. However, she accelerated, hitting Bogert again, and left the scene.

Bogert received stitches in his stomach, and suffers from a chipped pelvic bone and scrapes on his knees and elbows. Bogert collapsed after attempting to get up and go after the fleeing vehicle. His parents and the police are asking any witnesses with information on the driver, who had Nevada plates on her car, to come forward.

My heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery go out to this young victim.

Pedestrians and Hit-and-Run Drivers—A Deadly Combination

Hit-and-run accidents are quite frequent in cases of pedestrian accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 11 percent of crashes involve drivers hitting pedestrians. Eleven percent of all accidents are also hit-and-run collisions, so the chances of being an injured pedestrian and the chances of being the victim of a hit and run driver are about the same. When the two statistics are combined, the chances of being the victim of a hit-and-run pedestrian accident are around one in five. Hit-and-runs are more common with pedestrian collisions than with other types of vehicle crashes because drivers tend to panic when they hit someone who is walking.

Will This Driver Be Brought To Justice?

Unlike many pedestrian hit-and-runs, this case involves one very good eyewitness. The boy who tried to stop the car actually yelled at the woman through her window and saw her face, so he will be likely to recognize her or a picture of her if he sees it again. Further, there may have been other witnesses, and the fact that the woman had a Nevada license plate will be a good clue. It is more likely that this driver will be found than is normal in a hit-and-run collision.

What Will Happen When the Driver is Found?

Police have already said they intend to charge the driver with felony hit-and-run, but criminal charges are not the only thing she will have to face. An Orange County pedestrian accident lawyer can help the victim and his family recover damages for his pain and suffering as well as his physical injuries.