Police in the San Francisco Bay Area are looking for a driver who they say was involved in a hit-and-run collision that killed 35-year-old Victor Diaz and 56-year-old Phillip Coston on April 16, 2010. The Contra Costa Times reports that the collision occurred when a Ford going east on Buchanan Road attempted to make a left turn onto Brookside Drive and struck a Dodge. The driver of the Dodge, Diaz, and Coston, a passenger in the Ford, were killed. The driver of the Ford ran away from the scene of the crash. Police are looking for this individual and say that he will likely face felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter charges.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Diaz and Coston for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four fatalities and 192 injuries involving car accidents in Pittsburg. In Contra Costa County as a whole, 59 deaths and 3,621 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Laws

Leaving the scene of a crash or hit-and-run is a serious crime under California law. California Vehicle Code section 20001 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." Based on this news report, it is also not clear whether the driver of the Ford was under the influence at the time. However, I trust investigators are also looking into whether the driver of the Ford made an illegal left turn, ran a red light or failed to yield right-of-way to the Dodge at the time.

Claim for Compensation

Families of deceased victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise families about how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run collision or in an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

What precautions do you take when you prepare to make a left turn at an intersection?

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 Attorney News." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.