Julio Cesar Garcia Mira, 29, was fatally injured in a San Bernardino car accident after he was struck by at least two vehicles that ran over him as he lay on a busy Victorville roadway. The San Bernardino Sun reports that the victim was walking on Palmdale Road when he was hit somewhere between Palmdale and San Mateo roads early morning on March 20, 2010.

One of the drivers who ran over Mira contacted officials. Investigators believe someone initially hit the man and then fled the scene. Officials say the victim had injuries to his legs that indicate that he was previously hit by a car. Anyone who has information about the hit-and-run vehicle or the suspect should call the Victorville sheriff's station at 760-241-2911 or visit www.hitandrunreward.com.

My heart goes out to everybody who knew and loved this deceased hit-and-run victim, Julio Cesar Garcia Mira. Please keep his family in your prayers. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were seven fatalities and 20 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Victorville. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 29 deaths and 422 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same time.

Hit-and-Run Law

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how this accident may have occurred. Where was the pedestrian walking at the time? Was Mira crossing the road or walking on the side of the road? Was he in a marked or unmarked crosswalk? That said, the driver who had first struck this pedestrian was required to stop under the law, regardless of whose fault this accident was. Leaving the scene of an accident or hit-and-run is a serious crime under California law. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "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

Mira's family would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of this official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can also explain to victims' families how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run accident or to a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured. If this accident was caused by a dangerous condition on the roadway, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable as well. Please remember that any such claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

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.