A 26-year-old man was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident after he was struck by a vehicle at a local intersection. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the pedestrian was crossing at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Cass Street the morning of August 28, 2010 when he was struck by a pickup truck. Officials say the driver of the pickup drove away without stopping. Based on witness reports, officials say the pedestrian was crossing against the light. The pickup driver apparently had the green light. The victim suffered a broken pelvis. Authorities are looking for the hit-and-run suspect. No further description is available.

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I hope this pedestrian has not sustained catastrophic injuries. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

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

Hit-And-Run Law

In California, it is against the law to leave the scene of an accident. 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."

The law requires drivers to stop, remain at the scene and obtain medical assistance for the injured victim – irrespective of whose fault the accident was. In this case, the driver of the pickup truck may not have even faced charges if he or she had stayed at the scene. Now, he or she likely faces a felony hit-and-run charge.

Claim for Compensation

In this case, I trust officials are still talking to additional witnesses to determine the circumstances of the crash. The injured victim would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that his or her legal rights are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether there was a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within six months of the incident.

Are there any intersections in your city or neighborhood that are unsafe for pedestrians?

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.

Shane Marquez Vargas, 32, was critically injured in a Ventura car accident after he was struck by a vehicle the afternoon of August 11, 2010. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, the major injury pedestrian collision occurred near the intersection of Gonzales Road and Oxnard Boulevard in Oxnard. Police say 83-year-old Luningning Diaz Angeles was driving east on Gonzales Road when she struck Vargas. Some witnesses told police that Vargas had run into traffic between several vehicles. Vargas sustained severe head injuries in the crash. Angeles was uninjured. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Shane Marquez Vargas for what they are going through at this time. I hope he did not sustain catastrophic injuries and wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep Vargas and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 72 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Oxnard. In Ventura County as a whole, eight people were killed and 224 injured as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.

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Pedestrian Laws

Based on preliminary reports, it appears that Vargas may have run out into traffic. Motorists are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians who are walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks under California Vehicle Code section 21950. However, under the same section, pedestrians have duties and responsibilities as well. The law states that every pedestrian has the duty of "using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian shall unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk."

Liability Issues

In such cases, it is important to look into all aspects of the crash. Was the driver impaired, distracted, speeding, disoriented or otherwise negligent? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to the pedestrian accident? If the driver is determined to be at fault, then she could be held liable. If a dangerous condition on the roadway caused the accident, then the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury claim against a public entity in California must be properly filed within six months of an accident or injury. The best Ventura personal injury lawyers will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.

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

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.

An 8-year-old boy was seriously injured in a San Bernardino car accident after he was struck by a vehicle on August 7, 2010. According to a CBS News report, the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Ogden Street and Otono Court in Muscoy, as the boy was trying to cross the street. The driver who struck the boy left the scene of the crash. The suspect vehicle is described as a late 1990s silver or tan Chevy Silverado 2500 truck that had magnetic signage on the sides. The driver, witnesses say, may have been a male Hispanic in his mid 30s.

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My heart goes out to the young victim of this hit-and-run accident, who is apparently fighting for his life. I wish this child the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. He and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 39 fatalities and 432 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Bernardino County. Also, countywide, 263 people died and 8,504 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Laws and Liability Issues

It is illegal for motorists in California to leave the scene of a car crash. Drivers are required to stop, remain at the scene until authorities arrive, exchange important information with other parties involved and most importantly, render aid to the injured victim or victims. 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."

Based on this news report, it is not clear why the boy got hit. We also do not know if the child was walking in a crosswalk. Irrespective of whose fault this accident was, the driver should have remained at the scene under California law. In this case, the family of the injured child would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will fight for their rights and help protect their best interests. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise them about how their own car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run collision or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

Are there intersections in your neighborhood that are unsafe for children to cross?

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.

A bicyclist was injured in a San Diego car accident the morning of July 28, 2010, 10news reports. San Diego County Sheriff's officials said the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Imperial Beach Boulevard and Florence Street. The injured bicyclist was transported to an area hospital. The extent of the bicyclist's injuries is not known. An investigation is ongoing.

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My heart goes out to this injured victim and his or her family. I hope the bicyclist in this case did not suffer catastrophic injuries. I wish the victim the very best for a quick and full recovery.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 355 injuries as a result of bicycle accidents in San Diego. Countywide, seven people died and 959 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how or why this bicycle versus car accident occurred. There are still several unanswered questions here. Where was the bicyclist riding at the time of the collision? Was he or she crossing the street or riding along the side of the roadway? Was the motorist impaired, distracted speeding or otherwise negligent at the time? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to the incident? I trust officials are looking at these and other issues in order to determine what occurred and why.

Fault and Liability

If the motorist is determined to have been at fault, then he or she could be held financially responsible for the injuries caused. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of compensation, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages.

Victims or their families would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

Natanael Garcia, 11, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after he was struck by a vehicle at a local intersection. According to a CBS News report, police are looking for a female driver who they say struck the boy at the intersection of 76th and Hoover streets in South Los Angeles and then fled the scene the afternoon of July 15, 2010.

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Witnesses apparently saw the driver, described only as a Latino woman in an SUV, get out of the car, check on the boy and then drive away. One witness attempted to follow the woman, but lost her. Police are optimistic that they will apprehend the suspect because they have a good description, surveillance tape of the car and a partial license plate. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the South Traffic Division Detectives at 323-290-6063.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Natanael Garcia for their tragic and heartbreaking 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 104 fatalities and 2,716 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in the city of Los Angeles. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 214 people died and 4,985 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Law and Liability Issues

I trust this hit-and-run driver will soon be apprehended and brought to justice. 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."

In such cases, it would be in the best interests of victims' families to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims could file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

What are some ways by which hit-and-run collisions could be diminished or eradicated? We would like to hear your ideas and opinions.

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.

Ryan David Sears, 26, was killed in a San Francisco car accident early morning on July 6, 2010. According to a news report in the Contra Costa Times, the fatal pedestrian collision occurred in the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 near Somersville Road in Antioch. California Highway Patrol officials say the driver of the vehicle, a 51-year-old man, struck Sears with his pickup truck. Authorities say initial investigations show that Sears walked into traffic lanes from the shoulder and that he may have consumed alcohol before he died. However, an investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact 1-800-TELL-CHP or 925-646-4980.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Ryan David Sears for their tragic and devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 22 injuries reported due to pedestrian accidents in Antioch. In Contra Costa County as a whole, 13 people died and 241 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Causes and Liability Issues

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the pedestrian, Ryan David Sears, may have walked into traffic lanes of the roadway. However, CHP officials are still looking for eyewitnesses who may have more information about exactly how this collision occurred. Right now, it is possible the initial account is based on the motorist's information. In such cases, eyewitness statements can become crucial and change the course of the investigation. It is also important here to determine if there were any obstructions that caused the victim to enter the roadway.

It would be in the best interests of Sears' family to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway condition may have caused or contributed to this fatal crash. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a public entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

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.

Michael Wayne Hartley, 34, was killed in a Victorville car accident after he was struck by a vehicle along Highway 395 the morning of July 4, 2010. According to news reports, Hartley was walking south in the number two lane on the highway, near Dos Palmas Road, when he was hit from behind. The driver did not stop and fled the scene. Hartley was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation is ongoing. Anyone who witnessed this crash is asked to contact San Bernardino Sheriff's Deputy James Snow at 760-241-2911.

I offer my heartfelt condolences to everyone who knew and loved Michael Wayne Hartley. I trust the hit-and-run driver in this case will soon be apprehended and brought to justice. Please keep the victim's grieving family in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were seven fatalities and 20 injuries involvingpedestrian accidents in Victorville. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 39 people died and 432 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

If the details of this news report are accurate, eyewitnesses told authorities that Hartley was drinking alcohol at a gas station in the neighborhood just before the accident. However, it is not known whether Hartley was under the influence or whether he was walking in traffic lanes at the time.

Whatever the cause of the accident, under California law, motorists are required to stop and remain at the scene of the crash. 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." Drivers are required to stop regardless of whose fault the accident was.

Claim for Compensation

In such cases, families of deceased victims would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved families of deceased accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

If there was a dangerous or defective condition on the roadway that caused the accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury under 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.

Ricardo Colacion, 76, was injured in a Garden Grove car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the major injury collision occurred the night of June 20, 2010 on Chapman Avenue near Haster Street. Colacion was struck by a vehicle driven by 19-year-old Angelica Gomez, traveling east on Chapman. She told officials that she suddenly saw Colacion cross the road and that she was not able to avoid hitting him. Police do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors in this crash. Anyone who saw this accident is asked to call Garden Grove police at 714-741-5823.

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I sincerely hope Ricardo Colacion has not sustained any life-threatening injuries in this crash. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep this man and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four fatalities and 49 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Garden Grove. In Orange County as a whole, 31 people died and 785 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Circumstances of the Accident

The article states that Colacion was not in a crosswalk at the time of the collision. An investigation is still ongoing, however, about the circumstances of the crash. In such cases, eyewitness testimony will be crucial in determining exactly what occurred. While motorists are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in marked/unmarked crosswalks or at intersections, pedestrians also have the responsibility to walk only in designated areas and follow the rules of the road.

Who is Liable?

Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, injured victims or their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Garden Grove personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. If the driver is determined to have been at fault, she could be held financially responsible for the pedestrian's injuries. If a dangerous or defective roadway caused or contributed to this collision, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within six months of the incident. The best personal injury lawyers will always offer a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation to injured victims and their families.

What preventive steps can pedestrians take to avoid such accidents? We would like to hear your suggestions.

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.

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.

Richard Louis Canngiano, 73, was killed in a Vista car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street the morning of June 9, 2010. According to a San Diego 6 news report, Canngiano was walking across East Vista Way in the 1300 block, when a vehicle hit him and sped away. A second driver ran over the fallen pedestrian. That vehicle, described as a Ford Ranger pickup truck, stopped momentarily and also fled the scene. Officials are looking for both drivers who left the site of the accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Richard Louis Canngiano for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one death and 33 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Vista. In San Diego County as a whole, 63 people died and 998 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents.

California Pedestrian Laws

Based on this news report, it is not clear whether Canngiano was crossing in a marked crosswalk. Canngiano was apparently living in a senior center close by. People who live there say a number of seniors cross that street every day. Motorists are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians crossing in crosswalks or at intersections, under California law.

California Vehicle Code section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian." It is also a serious crime to leave the scene of an accident under California Vehicle Code 20001 (a).

Claim for Compensation

In such cases injured victims or their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the accident and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise families about how their car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run case or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

What are the most dangerous roadways or intersections 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.