A man was fatally injured in a Santa Ana car accident, which officials say, was caused by a hit-and-run driver. The fatal pedestrian accident occurred the early morning of October 4, 2011, near the intersection of South Newhope Street and First Street. Santa Ana police say the male pedestrian was walking in the 100 block of Newhope Street when he was struck and dragged for an unknown distance. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene. The victim fell on the roadway and was run over by a second car. The female driver of that car told officials she had no idea what she hit. An investigation is ongoing.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the man who was killed in this hit-and-run car accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were seven fatalities and 145 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Santa Ana. In Orange County as a whole, pedestrian accidents claimed 41 lives and caused 864 injuries, during the same year.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Based on this news report, it is unclear if the pedestrian was in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. But, officials say the driver not only struck and dragged the pedestrian, but left him lying on the roadway, exposed to further danger. The injured pedestrian ended up being run over by another vehicle. Appalling!
Leaving the scene of a car crash is not only inhumane and irresponsible, but is it also illegal. 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."
Holding Wrongdoers Accountable
I certainly hope officials are able to quickly apprehend this driver and bring him or her to justice. If you have any information about the suspect or the vehicle involved in this incident, please visit our dedicated hit-and-run web site, www.hitandrunreward.com, to offer an anonymous tip and become eligible for a $1,000 reward.
Families of deceased victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Santa Ana personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will inform victims' families about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the hit-and-run suspect is never found, or, in a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.
SLS Consulting