Recent pedestrian accident reports have be circulating about Nestor Barrientos-Macias, a 14-year-old boy. Nestor died as a result of severe brain injuries suffered in a skateboard accident on June 13, 2009, may have actually been a victim of a Lake Forest hit-and-run car accident, The Orange County Register reports. Orange County Sheriff's officials say that they have received new information, which has them looking into a possible traffic accident case rather than an accident fall off a skateboard. Investigators believe that someone in the community saw what happened to Nestor and are asking them to come forward.

Nestor was pronounced brain-dead about two days after the accident, but remained on a respirator. Nestor was riding a skateboard at La Tierra Elementary School. Paramedics were called when someone contacted 911 and reported the unconscious boy in the school's parking lot. Anyone with more information about what may have happened is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff's Department's Major Accident Reconstruction Team at 949-425-1860.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Nestor Barrientos-Macias, who was killed in this apparent Orange County hit-and-run accident. They must be devastated by this sudden and tragic loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to Nestor's parents. Please keep them in your prayers.

I certainly hope that the hit-and-run driver in this case is apprehended and brought to justice. The details of this traffic accident investigation are pretty sketchy at this point, but based on the newspaper report and the fact that the major accident reconstruction team is handling the case, there is a strong indication that the hit-and-run driver could be at fault for this car versus pedestrian accident.

Whoever struck and injured Nestor should have stayed at the scene of the accident – whether or not the accident was their fault. California Vehicle Code section 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."

It will be in the best interest of Nestor's parents to consult with experienced Orange County personal injury attorneys, who will analyze all aspects of the case, stay on top of the official investigation and make sure their legal rights are protected here. There are too many unanswered questions in this case. Who struck Nestor? How did the accident occur? Who called 911? Once these questions are answered, the facts will surface. Clearly, there was negligence if not recklessness involved here. I hope the negligent parties responsible for this boy's fatal injuries are held accountable for their actions.

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