Zhen Huang, 48, suffered critical injuries in an California car accident after she was struck by a pickup truck while crossing a busy intersection in Stanton, California. According to The Orange County Register, Huang was walking home the afternoon of October 20, 2009 when the pedestrian-car accident occurred. Huang was walking in a marked crosswalk, but cut a corner as she neared the curb. It was then that a light blue truck making a left from Pacific Avenue on to Magnolia hit her. But the driver did not stop. Instead Huang was dragged about 10 feet. The truck then slowed down briefly and drove away.

My heart goes out to the family of Zhen Huang, especially her 19-year-old daughter Ying Huynh, who made a plea to the public for any witnesses to come forward with information about the hit-and-run driver. Huang, portrayed as a loving mother who moved from Hong Kong so her children could get a good education, is now fighting for her life. Apparently, she doesn't have health insurance. I hope and pray that she makes a full recovery. Huang and her family will certainly be in my prayers.

Orange County Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but two injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Stanton, California. In Orange County as a whole, 41 fatalities and 726 injuries involving pedestrian accidents were reported in 2007.

Based on this news report, officials are saying that skid marks from the truck show that it was going about 25 mph as it was making a left turn. Investigators suspect that the driver may have been trying to beat a yellow light. Police describe the suspect vehicle as a late-model full-size Chevy pickup with a work rack in the back. Authorities are saying that this driver may not have faced charges had he stopped at the scene of the crash and helped Huang because Huang technically was outside of the crosswalk when she was hit. But now he is likely to face a felony hit-and-run charge.

California Car Accident Law and Liability Issues

Under California law, 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." Motorists are required to stop and render aid to the injured victim -- whether or not a motorist believes he or she is at fault.

Zhen Huang's family is no doubt facing a tough road emotionally and financially. It would be in their best interest to consult with an experienced Orange County personal injury attorney. A skilled car accident lawyer will also look into whether there was a dangerous condition on that roadway, which may have caused or contributed to this accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable for Huang's injuries. Any claim against a California governmental agency 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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