A hit-and-run collision in Clearlake caused injuries to a female driver the afternoon of June 24, 2010. The Record-Bee reports that the injury crash happened at the intersection of 10th Street and Country Club Drive when the driver of a Chevy Astro van ran a stop sign at the intersection and slammed into a Mitsubishi Eclipse. The driver of the Eclipse sustained injuries, which were not life-threatening. The driver of the van, later identified as 46-year-old Richard Alan, abandoned his vehicle and fled, but was later located and arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run.

It is indeed fortunate that this crash did not result in major or catastrophic injuries. I pray for the injured victim's quick recovery.

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 car accidents. Also, 247 people were killed in 2008 due to hit-and-run crashes statewide.

If the details of this news report are accurate, the driver of the van ran a stop sign and fled the scene of a crash, both of which are serious violations under California law. According to California Vehicle Code section 21802 (a): "The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop as required by Section 22450. The driver shall then yield the right-of-way to any vehicles which have approached from another highway, or which are approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to those vehicles until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety."

Claim for Compensation

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, it would be in the best interest of injured victims to seek the counsel of a reputed California personal injury lawyer, who will be able to analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

What are some tactics you use to stay clear of dangerous drivers on the roadway?

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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