A 12-year-old boy sustained serious injuries in a Fullerton car accident after he was struck by a vehicle the afternoon of June 4, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, 35-year-old Esmeralda Parra was driving her Ford Mustang on West Orangethorpe Avenue, near South Basque Avenue, when she struck the boy, who officials say, ran across the street. Parra fled the scene of the crash. A witness followed her Mustang for a mile while calling police. Parra was booked on suspicion of felony hit-and-run shortly after the crash. The boy was taken to a local hospital with fractures to his arm and leg.

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I'm relieved to hear that the child has not suffered catastrophic injuries in this vehicle versus pedestrian collision. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality and 45 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Fullerton. In Orange County as a whole, 31 people died and 785 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.

Hit-and-Run Laws

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver for some reason decided to drive away from the scene of the collision. California law requires drivers to remain at the scene of the crash, irrespective of whose fault the accident maybe. Motorists are required to remain at the scene, provide information such as insurance, identification, and most importantly, provide assistance to the injured victim.

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

Victims injured in hit-and-run collisions would be well-advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. An experienced car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their car insurance policy might apply to an incident where an at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured motorist. In this particular case, a claim for compensation may be filed through the car insurance policy of a family member of the boy, providing they reside under the same household.

What are some steps local law enforcement officials can take to reduce hit-and-run collisions?

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.