A man was struck and killed in a San Diego hit-and-run pedestrian accident the morning of June 14, 2009, 10news reports. The fatally injured pedestrian, who has not yet been identified, was walking north across the 3200 block of Meade Avenue when he was struck by a car that was heading east, San Diego police officials said. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene from the massive head injuries he sustained. The driver who hit him sped away from the accident scene. Eyewitnesses describe the hit-and-run car as a newer white hatchback.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family of this hit-and-run accident victim for their sudden, tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your prayers. I also hope and pray that the hit-and-run driver is apprehended quickly and brought to justice.

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Reporting System, there were 25 fatalities and 575 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Diego. In San Diego County as a whole, 51 fatalities and 1,068 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2007.

The circumstances of this hit-and-run pedestrian-car accident are not yet clear, based on this news report. However, the driver of the car that struck this victim was at fault for not stopping at the scene of the accident. California law clearly states that motorists must stop when they are involved in an accident. They are required to exchange identification, contact and insurance information with the other parties. In cases that involve other injured victims, motorists are required to get them help, even if it just means calling 911.

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 victim's family in this case would be well-advised to contact experienced San Diego personal injury attorneys who will help determine the facts of this case and identify the negligent parties. The victim's family may be able to get compensated through the uninsured/underinsured motorist clause in his car insurance policy or any other policy that he has benefits under. Knowledgeable San Diego car accident attorneys will be able to make sure that the family's rights are protected and that they get just compensation. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased accident victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim, which compensates these families for funeral expenses, loss of earning and other related damages.

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