An 85-year-old man was killed in a Riverside car accident the night of April 10, 2010 after he was struck by a vehicle at a Palm Springs intersection. According to a news report in The Desert Sun, the fatal pedestrian collision occurred at Ramon Road and Desert View Drive. The driver involved in the collision did not stop and fled the scene. Police are seeking the public's help to identify this hit-and-run driver. The suspect vehicle is described as a white, newer model pickup truck with front-end damage. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 760-323-8115 or call Crimestoppers anonymously at 760-341-7867.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this deceased victim for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 12 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Palm Springs. In Riverside County as a whole, 30 people died and 338 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

Based on this news report, it is not exactly clear how or why this fatal collision occurred. However, under California law, the driver who was involved in the accident was required to remain at the scene. He or she should have also provided assistance to the victim. Instead, the driver of the pickup truck chose to flee the scene of the crash. I truly hope the hit-and-run driver in this case is apprehended and brought to justice.

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.”

Claim for Compensation

Families of victims in such cases would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure their rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their car insurance policy will apply to a hit-and-run crash or in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. If a dangerous or defective roadway caused this fatal car accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining this roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental entity in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

Do you have any legal questions you would like to ask in connection with hit-and-run crashes or traffic collisions? We would be happy to answer them for you.

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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