A Tulare County firefighter identified as Patrick Hynds was critically injured in a car accident after he was struck by a driver while responding to a car fire. According to a news report in the Hanford Sentinel, the hit-and-run collision occurred the morning of June 26, 2010, when Hynds and Fire Captain Davon Gregory were trying to put out a car fire near 4th Avenue. They were both struck by a white pickup truck, which did not stop at the scene. Gregory was not seriously injured, but Hynds suffered critical injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
I sympathize with this injured firefighter and his family. I wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery. I also trust the hit-and-run driver in this case will be apprehended and brought to justice. It is indeed fortunate that Gregory was not seriously injured.
Car Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four deaths and 177 injuries involving car accidents in Hanford. In Kings County as a whole, 24 people died and 529 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
Hit-and-Run
Leaving the scene of an accident or hit-and-run is a serious crime under California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a). Motorists are required under the law to remain at the scene of the crash irrespective of whose fault the accident was. Motorists are also required to exchange important information such as insurance, driver's license, contact information and so on. Most importantly, they are required to obtain assistance for the injured victim.
Liability Issues
In addition to workers compensation benefits, Hynds and Gregory can also seek compensation from the at-fault driver, if located, or their car insurance, in this case. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover all medical expenses, lost wages and related expenses. The best California personal injury lawyers will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.
Have you ever witnessed a hit-and-run crash? How did you react? We would like to hear about your experiences.
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
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