A wheelchair-bound 67-year-old man was killed in a San Francisco area car accident involving a hit-and-run driver. According to a report in the San Jose Mercury News, the hit-and-run car accident occurred at the intersection of Homestead and Quince avenues in Santa Clara during the early morning hours of September 25, 2011. Officials say the victim was crossing the road in a wheelchair when a car struck and dragged him at least 300 feet before driving away. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries and died at a nearby hospital. Officials say the suspect vehicle has damage to its front end and rear windshield.

My deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of the man killed in this tragic hit-and-run accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Santa Clara Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 34 injured in Santa Clara pedestrian accidents. During that same year, 21 fatalities and 463 injuries occurred involving Santa Clara County pedestrian accidents.

Hit-And-Run

It is a felony to leave the scene of a fatal accident without contacting the authorities. 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."

In this particular case, the motorist struck a man in a wheelchair. Not only that, the vehicle dragged the victim for 300 feet before he fell onto the roadway. What kind of a person does not stop and check on a severely injured victim? This driver left the critically injured pedestrian lying on the roadway without care or medical attention, exposed to further danger. Despicable! If you have any information about this accident, please visit our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com. Our site allows witnesses to provide an anonymous tip and also become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.

Liability Issues

The family of an accident victim would be well advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also inform families about how their own car insurance policy applies to an incident where the hit-and-run driver is never identified, or in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.