A female and male driver were injured in a Ventura car accident involving a rear-end collision. According to a news report in The Ventura County Star, the injury crash occurred on North Ventura Avenue near the Villanova Curve in Ojai, the morning of October 8, 2011. The woman was driving on North Ventura when her car was rear-ended by an SUV. The male driver of the SUV left the scene of the crash. He, however, lost control of his vehicle shortly afterward, went off the roadway, hit a tree and rolled over. Both drivers suffered injuries in the crash. The driver of the SUV was cited for hit-and-run causing injury.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victim who was rear-ended in this Ventura County hit-and-run car accident. I wish her a complete and speedy recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities but 37 injuries reported as a result of car accidents in Ojai. During that same year, there were 57 fatalities and 3,421 injuries reported due to car accidents in Ventura County.

Leaving the Scene of a Car Accident

It is not clear what caused the driver of the SUV to rear-end the other vehicle. Was he driving distracted? Was he violating California Vehicle Code Section 22350 by speeding, or California Vehicle Code Section 21703 by following too closely? Based on this news report, however, it is clear that he attempted to leave the scene of the crash.

California Vehicle Code Section 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." Not only is leaving the scene of an injury collision illegal, but is it also an unconscionable, irresponsible and inhumane act. I'm relieved to hear that this driver was apprehended.

Liability Issues

Victims of negligent drivers may seek financial compensation for their injuries and losses by filing a personal injury claim. Car accident victims can seek damages including all medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. They would be well-advised to contact a skilled Ventura personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.