A 17-year-old boy who was killed in a Riverside car accident while walking on a street in Banning, early morning on January 30, 2010, has been identified as Cody Rodenbucher. KPSP News reports that the teen was struck by a dark-colored car. Cody died from injuries sustained in the collision. However, the driver of the vehicle fled the scene of the accident. Police officials tracked down the suspect vehicle with the help of a surveillance camera in the area and they interviewed 28-year-old Sachin Bhakta, but did not arrest him. Anyone who witnessed this accident is asked to call Banning police at 951-922-3170.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Cody Rodenbucher for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were six injuries and no fatalities in Banning involving pedestrian accidents. Countywide, 43 fatalities and 393 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2007.

Hit-and-Run Laws

I truly hope authorities are able to find whoever was involved in this incident and bring him or her to justice. Hit-and-run or leaving the scene of a crash is a serious crime in California. 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."

In such cases, victims' families would be well-advised to consult an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer who will keep abreast of the police investigation. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also look into whether a dangerous or defective condition on the roadway caused this fatal pedestrian accident. If that was the case, the governmental entity responsible for maintaining the roadway could be held liable as well. Any such claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within six months 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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