A car accident in Colusa County the morning of July 3, 2010 resulted in injuries for 40-year-old Sean Birney. The Colusa County Sun-Herald reports that the injury collision occurred when 42-year-old Anita Bordelon, who was driving at a high rate of speed on the 5 Freeway, changed lanes and hit Birney's 1999 Jaguar. She left the scene of the accident, but was apprehended and arrested soon afterward. Bordelon was booked on suspicion of felony hit-and run. An investigation is ongoing.
Birney is lucky that he was not seriously injured in this car accident. I hope he recovers quickly and completely from his injuries. He will be in my prayers.
Hit-and-Run Statistics
California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics show that there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California, in 2008. A majority of these were injury collisions. Also, 247 people were killed in 2008 due to hit-and-run crashes statewide.
Violations of the Law
If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that Bordelon may have made an unsafe lane change. California Vehicle Code section 21658 (a) states that whenever a roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction the vehicle "shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety." By leaving the scene of the crash, she also appears to have violated California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a).
It would be in the best interests of injured victims in such cases to seek the counsel of an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
What are some ideas you have to curb hit-and-run incidents? We would like to hear your comments and suggestions on this important issue.
None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.
