A 39-year-old woman who was riding her horse was seriously injured after she was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Vista. According to a news report in the North County Times, the woman was riding north on Little Gopher Canyon Road near Vista Del Mar, when the car struck the back of the horse's left leg. The injury collision occurred the evening of May 10, 2010. The woman was thrown off the horse and transported to a nearby hospital, but her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The horse suffered a cut on the leg. The sedan that struck the woman and her horse did not stop. However, officials found the side mirror of the car at the scene of the crash. California Highway Patrol officials say they are investigating this as a felony hit-and-run crash.


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I'm relieved to hear that this woman did not suffer any catastrophic injuries. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. She will be in my prayers. I truly hope this hit-and-run suspect will soon be apprehended and brought to justice.

San Diego Accident Statistics

According to CHP's traffic accident statistics, there were seven deaths and 348 injuries due to car accidents in Vista. Also, 248 people died and 13,527 were injured as a result of car accidents in San Diego County.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

If the details of this news account are accurate, it appears that this driver clipped the horse because he or she wasn't paying attention. I trust investigators will also look into whether the driver was impaired, distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision. Whatever the cause of the crash, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law.

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."

Claim for Compensation

Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact a reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record of holding negligent drivers accountable. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run crash or in an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. In such cases, injured victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Would you report a hit-and-run driver if your identity is kept anonymous?

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