Four people suffered injuries in a San Francisco car accident the morning of January 27, 2010, CBS News reports. The accident occurred in the Ingelside Heights neighborhood when two cars crashed at the intersection of Brotherhood Way and Arch Street. San Francisco fire officials said one of the drivers fled the scene of the accident, but police arrived quickly and managed to apprehend the hit-and-run suspect a few blocks away. Three injured victims including a toddler were transported to an area hospital with injuries. The suspect in the other car sustained minor injuries.

My heart goes out to these three victims, including the toddler, who were injured in this horrific crash. I'm relieved to note that none of those injured suffered any life-threatening injuries. I wish the three injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. They will be in my prayers.

There were 51 fatalities and 3,632 injuries involving car accidents in San Francisco reported in 2007, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS).

Car Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it appears that this traffic accident occurred at a street intersection, which most likely means that one of the drivers failed to yield right-of-way. However, in any car accident, irrespective of who is at fault, the law requires that the drivers involved stop at the scene of the accident. In this case, one of the drivers failed to do so. We do not know yet if that individual was at fault and also, if drugs or alcohol were involved here. But I'm glad that the hit-and-run driver was apprehended in this case.

Hit-and-Run Laws and Liability Issues

Leaving the scene of an accident 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, injured victims would be well-advised to consult a reputed San Francisco personal injury lawyer who has a successful track record of dealing with hit-and-run and negligent drivers. A knowledgeable lawyer will be able to advise the victims about their legal rights and options, and also how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run incident, or a case where the negligent driver lacks insurance or does not have sufficient insurance.

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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