Elfego Lozano-Nicolas, 39, has died from critical injuries he suffered in a Santa Ana car accident, which officials say, involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal bicycle accident occurred the night of January 20, 2012 in the 100 block of South Broadway. Lozano-Nicolas was hit by a pickup truck, possibly a Toyota Tundra, with a ladder rack and ladders on top. The truck also had blue lettering running the length of the truck. The pickup's hubcap fell at the scene of the crash. The driver did not stop. Lozano-Nicholas was taken to a local trauma center where he died the day after the incident. If you have any information about this fatal hit-and-run crash, please contact Santa Ana police at 714-245-8701.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Elfego Lozano-Nicolas for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Hit-and-Run Statistics

According to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run car accidents that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California in 2008. A majority of these car accidents involved injuries. There were 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions statewide.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the pickup truck hit the bicyclist and then fled the scene without even stopping to help the critically injured victim. Lozano-Nicolas was found on the roadway unconscious. The driver basically fled leaving the victim exposed to further danger. I hope officials apprehend whoever committed this appalling act and prosecute him or her to the fullest extent of the law.

Justice for Victims

If you have any information about this driver or the suspect, please visit our dedicated hit-and-run web site at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and to become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward. This site is part of our effort to partner with the community and help our local law enforcement officials apprehend these hit-and-run drivers.

Families that have lost loved ones in hit-and-run collisions would be well advised to contact an experienced Santa Ana personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental entity responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

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