Hwa Rhee, 78, was killed in an Orange County car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while carrying groceries along a street in Garden Grove, California. Police officials found the elderly woman injured and lying on the westbound lanes of Garden Grove Boulevard, near Sungrove Street. Rhee was pronounced dead at the scene. Police believe she may have been struck by a silver Ford F150 pickup truck, which was witnessed leaving the scene. Anyone with information about this accident is asked to call Garden Grove police at 714-741-5823.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Hwa Rhee for their devastating and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your prayers. I also hope that police apprehend this hit-and-run driver who left Rhee to die on the roadway and fled the scene. I truly hope this individual is brought to justice.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 49 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Garden Grove. In Orange County as a whole, 41 fatalities and 726 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2007.

Liability Issues in Pedestrian Accidents

Hit-and-run or leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "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." A driver is required to stop irrespective of whether he or she caused the accident.

In such cases, victims' families would be well-advised to contact a reputed Orange County personal injury lawyer who will make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway caused or contributed to this fatal accident. If that was the case, the city could also be held liable. Any such claim against a governmental entity in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is 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 us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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