A hit-and-run crash in San Bernardino County caused serious injuries for 22-year-old Robert Valle the morning of August 16, 2010. According to a news report in the Victorville Daily Press, the major injury collision occurred at the intersection of Nielson and Sheep Creek roads in Wrightwood. Kala White, 23, who was driving a Pontiac Grand Am attempted a left turn in front of an oncoming Chevy Tahoe. Six people in the Tahoe including Valle were injured in the collision. White fled the scene of the accident, but was later located and booked on suspicion of DUI and hit-and-run.
My heart goes out to the injured victims of this horrific crash. I pray that they recover quickly and completely from their injuries. I also want those that left the scene of the accident get punished appropriately. Injuring someone is one thing, but fleeing the scene of the crime is outrageously irresponsible. If you have witnessed a hit-and-run crash, please visit our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.
Hit-and-Run Statistics
According to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California in 2008. A majority of these car accidents involved injuries. There were a total of 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions statewide.
Laws and Liability Issues
Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. It is also against the law to leave the scene of a crash under California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a). In addition, it appears that White failed to yield right-of-way to an oncoming vehicle and may have made an unsafe left turn.
California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."
In such cases, it would be in the best interests of injured victims to seek the counsel of a reputed San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable for their actions. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation to injured victims and their families.
Should first-time DUI offenders be required under the law to install an Ignition Interlock Device in their vehicle?
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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