Gregorio Bejar Valencia, 64, was killed in a hit-and-run San Diego car accident the morning of August 25, 2009, after he was struck by a driver at an on-ramp to State Route 94 in Golden Hill, according to the San Diego Medical Examiner's Office. California Highway Patrol officials say Valencia was driving a 1988 Chevy pickup truck, which he stopped on the highway's right shoulder so he could clean the windshield. While Valencia and his passenger, 43-year-old Francisco Mendoza, were cleaning the windshield, a 1989 Nissan Sentra struck the left rear of the truck and Valencia.
Apparently, after the pedestrian-car crash, the driver of the Nissan stopped ahead of the truck, got out and walked back to where Valencia lay injured with a severed left leg and a severely injured right leg. He then ran away from the scene, CHP officials said. Valencia was taken to an area hospital where he died. Mendoza suffered minor injuries to his left knee. The hit-and-run suspect was last seen walking away from the accident scene toward 28th Street. The driver, when apprehended, faces felony hit-and-run charges and vehicular manslaughter charges, CHP officials said.
Tragic Hit-and-Run Car Accident
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Gregorio Bejar Valencia for their horrific loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them during this difficult time. They will certainly be in my prayers.
I sincerely hope that the driver of the Nissan, the hit-and-run suspect in this California car accident, is apprehended and brought to justice. It's appalling that this individual parked his car, got off, looked at the victim who lay on the roadway injured and then chose to run away without helping the critically injured victim or taking responsibility for his actions. Despicable!
There is no question that the suspect will face serious legal consequences. Hit-and-run is a serious crime in California. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "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."
California Personal Injury Lawyer
Valencia's family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will stay on top of the criminal investigation, make sure the family's rights are protected and that they receive just compensation for the damages and loss they have suffered. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims may be able to receive compensation to cover funeral or medical expenses, loss of earnings, loss of companionship and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free initial consultation to accident victims and their families.
SLS Consulting