The driver of an SUV was arrested in connection with a hit-and-run collision in Santa Ana, which injured the occupants of a sedan, The Orange County Register reports. California Highway Patrol officials said the car crash occurred the morning of June 13, 2010 near the Orangethorpe Avenue off-ramp of the northbound 57 Freeway. The SUV apparently struck the sedan, which was found upside down by CHP officials. Occupants in the sedan were injured, but how many were injured or the extent of their injuries is not yet clear. The driver of the SUV exited Orangethorpe Avenue, drove west on Orangethorpe and got on the southbound 57 before he was arrested, officials said.

My heart goes out to the injured victims in this case. I sincerely hope there were no major injuries and wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 15 fatalities and 1,365 injuries involving car accidents in Santa Ana. In Orange County as a whole, 152 people died and 13,414 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Law

Under California law, motorists are required to stop and remain at the scene of an accident, regardless of whose fault that accident was. 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."

Drivers are not only required to stop, but also exchange information (driver's license, insurance, contact) with the other parties involved and more importantly, obtain medical aid for the injured victims. In this case, based on this newspaper report, it appears that one of the drivers simply drove away from the scene. I trust officials are focusing their investigation on whether the driver of the SUV was impaired, speeding, driving recklessly or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision.

Claim for Compensation

In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is concerned, injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and other related damages. An experienced Santa Ana personal injury lawyer will be able advise victims and their families about how their own car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run collision or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

What are some of the more serious challenges faced by victims in the aftermath of a car accident?

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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