A 44-year-old man was killed in a Santa Ana hit-and-run pedestrian accident, The Orange County Register reports. The fatal pedestrian accident victim, identified only as a 44-year-old man, was crossing the street the night of April 11, 2009 in the 3500 block of First Street near Harbor Boulevard when he was struck by a vehicle headed west on First, Santa Ana police officials said. The impact from the car collision knocked the pedestrian to the sidewalk, where he was later pronounced dead. If you witnessed this fatal pedestrian accident or if you have any information about this incident, please call the Santa Ana Police Department at 714-245-8201.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of this Orange County pedestrian accident victim for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. Please keep them in your prayers. I trust that police will soon apprehend the hit-and-run driver and bring him or her to justice.

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 traffic accident statistics, there were nine pedestrian accident fatalities and 127 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in the city of Santa Ana. In Orange County as a whole, 41 deaths and 726 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2007.

California law requires motorists to stop and render assistance to injured victims in the event of a car accident. A driver is required to stop whether or not he or she was at fault for the accident. California Vehicle Code section 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."

The family of the deceased victim in this case should definitely seek the counsel of an experienced Orange County pedestrian accident lawyer to find out how to pursue their rights and seek compensation for their loss. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims are able to file wrongful death claims, which seek compensation for medical/funeral expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering and other related damages. A skilled Orange County personal injury lawyer will also look into whether a dangerous condition on that Santa Ana roadway caused or contributed to this tragic pedestrian accident. If that was the case, the city of Santa Ana could be held liable. Any claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within six months of the accident.

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