Emile Llewellyn, 24, was killed in a San Francisco car accident after he was hit by a vehicle near Highway 101, according to a CBS News report. San Francisco police officials believe Llewellyn was the victim of a hit-and-run crash that occurred early morning on May 28, 2010. Authorities found Llewellyn in the median on Octavia Street, close to Market Street. A skateboard and vehicle parts were found near the victim, leading to the possibility that Llewellyn was a pedestrian who was struck by a hit-and-run vehicle. Police are now looking for witnesses who may have seen the collision. No description of the suspect vehicle is available.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Emile Llewellyn for their immense loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 16 fatalities and 790 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Francisco. Also, in San Francisco, car accidents claimed 35 lives and caused 3,577 injuries during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Laws

Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why this fatal collision occurred. It would be important for officials to locate witnesses who saw this occur. 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."

Claim for Compensation

Motorists are required to stop and remain at the scene of an accident, irrespective of whose fault the accident was. Under the law, drivers are required to stop, exchange information and most importantly, get help for the injured victims.

Families of victims who have been injured in a hit-and-run crash would be well-advised to examine their insurance policy and see if they have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will advise victims about how their car insurance policy might apply to such cases.

A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective condition on the roadway led to the accident. If that was the case, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injuries, according to California Government Code section 911.2.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways for pedestrians in your city or neighborhood?

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.