Hit-and-Run Crash Injures Motorcyclist
John David Wirick, 56, sustained major injuries in a Sacramento car accident the afternoon of July 10, 2010. According to a news report in The Appeal-Democrat, Wirick was riding a 2005 Harley-Davidson north on Plumas Arboga Road in Yuba County when an oncoming Chevy pickup truck drifted out of the southbound lane.
Wirick tried to avoid the pickup truck, but instead ended up going off the road onto the shoulder. He struck a metal marker and crashed. He was airlifted to an area hospital where he remains in serious condition. The driver of the Chevrolet left the scene of the crash. California Highway Patrol officials are describing the suspect vehicle as an extended cab model, brown or khaki with tinted rear windows. If you have information, please contact CHP at 530-674-5141.
My heart goes out to the injured motorcyclist in this case. I hope he makes it through these critical injuries and pray that he recovers quickly and completely. He and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there was one fatality and seven injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Yuba County. Also, in Yuba County as a whole, 12 people died and 287 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
The Law and Compensation Issues
I trust the hit-and-run driver in this case will soon be apprehended and brought to justice. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law. 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." The law requires that motorists stop, remain at the scene until authorities arrive and administer aid to the injured victim. In this particular case, the driver of the pickup truck, who authorities say caused the accident, did none of the above.
Injured victims in such cases, would be well-advised to contact an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to explain to victims how their own auto insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run collision or an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
How can we help curb or eradicate hit-and-run collisions? In your opinion, what are some of the best ways and methods of getting to that point?
None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.
