A motorcycle officer was injured in a Los Angeles car accident after she was rear-ended by an SUV, the morning of July 27, 2010. According to a news report in The Press Telegram, the accident occurred in Long Beach at the intersection of Second Street and Marina Drive. The officer was riding east on Second Street, when a green Ford Explorer struck her from behind. The officer sustained serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The Explorer left the scene. Police are looking for the hit-and-run suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact Long Beach police officials at 562-435-6711.

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I'm relieved to hear that this police officer survived this crash and has not sustained critical injuries. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. She will be in my thoughts and prayers. I also trust that this hit-and-run driver will be apprehended and brought to justice.

Motorcycle Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 100 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Long Beach. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 114 people died and 2,934 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Law

Based on this news report, it appears that the area where this injury collision occurred was a construction zone with heavy traffic. Police say the driver of the Explorer attempted to go down the right lane to avoid traffic when he or she rear-ended the motorcycle.

Whatever the cause of the collision was, it was against the law for this driver to have fled after a crash. California law requires motorists to stop and remain at the scene of a crash, exchange information and administer aid to injured victims at the scene. They are required to do this, irrespective of whose fault the accident was. 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."

Victim's Claim for Compensation

In this particular case, the officer appears to have been on duty. So she could be entitled to worker's compensation benefits from her employer. In addition, injured victims in such cases can also seek third-party compensation from the negligent driver, when located. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will advise victims in such cases about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also explain how the victim's auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run collision or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

In your opinion, what is the main reason a driver would leave the scene of an accident?

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.