A hit-and-run crash in Ontario the afternoon of June 28, 2010 seriously injured a long-time police technician at a local intersection. The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reports that the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Walnut Street and Baker Avenue when a white Dodge Durango southbound on Baker ran a stop sign and struck the police technician's car that was going east on Walnut. The Durango left the scene of the crash. The technician was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries, but he is expected to survive. Police are looking for the hit-and-run vehicle and suspect.
My heart goes out to this injured victim and his family for what they are going through at this time. I hope the technician has not sustained catastrophic injuries in this crash and pray that he recovers quickly and fully.
Hit-and-Run Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in the state of California. A majority of these were injury car accidents. Also, 247 people were killed in 2008 due to hit-and-run crashes in all of California.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident
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." Every motorist in California has the legal obligation to remain at the scene of the accident, regardless of who is at fault. Drivers are also required to exchange important information with the other parties and render aid to the injured victim.
Compensation Issues
Injured victims in such cases would greatly benefit from a consultation with a reputed San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that their rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other damages associated with the accident.
What can local law enforcement agencies do better to encourage members of the public to come forward with information about hit-and-run drivers?
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.
