A 22-year-old woman who was walking her dog the night of June 13, 2010 was seriously injured in a hit-and-run collision after she was struck by a bicyclist from behind and knocked to the ground. The bicyclist fled the scene. According to a news report in the San Diego Union-Tribune, the woman was walking on Carmel Valley Road near Caminto Del Barco, when she was hit from behind. She apparently got up and walked back home, but later went to a hospital where it was determined that she had suffered a double skull fracture. The woman was not able to provide a description of the bicycle or its rider.

My heart goes out to this injured victim. I sincerely hope she has not suffered any catastrophic injuries and wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. She will be in my prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 23 fatalities and 533 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Diego. Countywide, 63 people died and 998 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law, irrespective of who was at fault or what type of vehicle you are operating. 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." In this particular case, it is not clear how or why the bicyclist collided with the pedestrian. Whatever may have been the reason for the collision, the bicyclist should have stopped at the scene and helped the injured pedestrian.

Liability Issues

This incident also shows us the importance of visiting the doctor immediately after you have been involved in an injury accident. In some cases, victim are in shock and do not feel anything until hours, sometimes, even days after the accident. Serious internal injuries, such as head injuries or internal bleeding, may be overlooked and could potentially lead to death. It is absolutely critical that injured accident victims receive prompt medical attention.

Victims who have been injured as a result of negligence or wrongdoing can file a personal injury claim against the negligent party seeking compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, surgeries and other related expenses. A knowledgeable San Diego personal injury lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run collision or in an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways for pedestrians and bicyclists 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.