Sean Birney, 40, was injured in a hit-and-run collision in Colusa County the morning of July 3, 2010. According to a news report in the Colusa County Sun-Herald, 42-year-old Anita Bordelon was driving a 1995 GMC pickup truck, heading north on the 5 Freeway near Arbuckle, when she changed lanes and struck a 1999 Jaguar driven by Birney. He sustained injuries in the collision, but was able to pull over and call authorities. Bordelon fled the scene, but was found in a rest area a short time later and arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. Birney was transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries, which were not life-threatening.
It is indeed fortunate that Birney was not seriously injured in this crash. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were six fatalities and 114 injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Colusa County. Also, countywide, six people died and 138 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
Hit-and-Run
Based on this news report, Bordelon struck Birney's Jaguar when she was changing lanes. CHP officials say Bordelon was traveling with her 13-year-old daughter and driving at about 80 mph. It is not yet clear whether she was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or whether she was distracted, or driving recklessly at the time of the accident. However, Bordelon violated the law when she left the scene of the 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 motorists to stop and remain at the scene of the accident until authorities arrive. Drivers are also required to exchange important information and get help for those injured in the crash.
Claim for Compensation
In such cases, where negligence or wrongdoing may have been a factor, injured victims would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options. Injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault party for medical expenses, property damage, hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages.
What are some ideas you have to curb hit-and-run incidents? We would like to hear your comments and suggestions on this important issue.
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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