A hit-and-run crash in Lakeside Village resulted in serious injuries for a 43-year-old man the night of July 27, 2010. The Press-Enterprise reports that the man was walking in a dark stretch of Grand Avenue near Blanche Drive, when he was hit from behind by a vehicle, which then drove away from the scene of the accident. The pedestrian sustained broken ribs and head injuries. The suspect vehicle is described as an older gray or silver Honda.

I truly hope the victim in this case has not suffered catastrophic injuries. I pray that he recovers quickly and fully from his serious injuries.

Hit-and-Run Crashes

According to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California in 2008. A majority of these car accidents involved injuries. There were 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions statewide.

Law and Liability Issues

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." It is illegal under California law to leave the scene of the crash – regardless of whose fault the accident was. Drivers must not only to remain at the scene of a crash, but also exchange information with other parties involved and administer aid to the injured victim. Based on this news report, the driver of the Honda did none of the above.

A skilled Riverside personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families about how their car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run crash or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. If this accident was caused by a dangerous roadway, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any such claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways for pedestrians in your city?

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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