Officials in Anaheim have arrested a 24-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run in connection with an Orange County car accident, which left a toddler injured. The Orange County Register reports that the collision occurred in the 700 block of Anaheim Boulevard the afternoon of March 16, 2010 when the father of the child parked his car and placed the boy on the sidewalk. The 2-year-old then walked on to the street and was hit by a Ford F-450. The boy sustained head injuries, but the driver of the pickup truck kept going. Authorities say the pickup truck driver fled the scene in spite of knowing that he had struck a person.
I wish this injured child the very best for a speedy and full recovery from whatever injuries he has sustained. This boy will be in my prayers.
Hit-and-Run Laws in California
Leaving the scene of an accident or hit-and-run, as it is commonly known, is a serious crime. 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." Drivers are required to stop at the scene of an accident, help the injured victim and exchange information with other parties whether or not they believe they were at fault.
Many drivers do not realize that they could face criminal charges even if they were not at fault for an accident, but end up leaving the scene. In this case, it may have well been that the dad was careless and didn't keep an eye on his son. But the pickup truck driver will likely face a felony hit-and-run charge, a serious criminal charge, for leaving the scene of an accident.
Liability Issues in Hit-and-Run
If you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident, please contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will advise you about your legal rights and options. A knowledgeable injury lawyer can advise you about how your car insurance policy applies to a case where the hit-and-run driver is never found or to a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.
We are 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 a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons named in this article and their family members.
