A hit-and-run driver fleeing a San Francisco car accident the night of April 28, 2010, was later caught after good Samaritans followed the suspect's truck home. According to a news report in The San Francisco Examiner, the 35-year-old man rear-ended a vehicle that was traveling west on Hayes Street near Baker Street. In an attempt to flee, the man put his truck in reverse.

But the truck ended up going over the curb, while traveling backward, hitting a female pedestrian and crashing into a bus stop. The woman suffered broken bones and other injuries. But, thankfully, her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The driver of the pickup fled on Hayes. The Good Samaritans did not actually witness the accident, but followed the truck on an instinct because they noticed that the pickup was damaged and was driving with a flat tire.

Good Samaritans with Good Instincts

My heart goes out to the injured pedestrian. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. I commend the Good Samaritans for following the suspect's vehicle all the way to his home. Even though they had no idea what the truck driver had done, they followed him anyway, because they suspected something was wrong. Their instincts were later confirmed. The man was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. These Good Samaritans are truly heroes. We need more good citizens like them to help eradicate the hit-and-run epidemic in California.

Hit-and Run Law and Statistics

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law. 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."

According to the California Highway Patrol's statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions resulting in deaths or injuries, statewide, in 2008. That's down from 21,137 such collisions in 2004. A majorities of these accidents resulted in injuries. There were 247 hit-and-run deaths in 2008 in California.

Protecting your Rights

Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will remain on their side and fight for their legal rights. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Did these Good Samaritans do the right thing by following the suspect home? What would you have done?

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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