A hit-and-run accident in Aliso Viejo resulted in serious injuries to a 65-year-old woman who was a passenger in a Toyota Matrix that was struck by another car at a street intersection. The Orange County Register reports that the accident occurred the night of May 22, 2010 at the intersection of Aliso Viejo Parkway and Moulton Parkway.
The driver of the vehicle, which is described as a dark compact car with Washington state license plates, did not stop at the scene. Officials also believe that the suspect vehicle has front-end damage. The victim was taken to a local hospital with injuries described as non life-threatening.
My heart goes out to this injured woman and her family for what they are going through at this time. I pray that she recovers quickly and completely from her injuries.
Car Accidents
There were 152 fatalities and 13,414 injuries involving car accidents in Orange County in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Aliso Viejo, during the same year, there were no fatalities, but 143 injuries occurred involving car accidents.
Hit-and-Run Law
It is against the law for a motorist to leave the scene of a crash in California. According to California Vehicle Code 20001 (a): "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."
Drivers are required to remain at the scene, wait for authorities, exchange information with the other parties and render aid to the injured victims. However, in this case, the driver in question did none of the above.
Liability Issues
Injured victims in such cases could file a claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, hospitalization, rehabilitation and other treatment costs. However, a victim in a hit-and-run case may have to go through their own insurance company to claim compensation through the uninsured/underinsured motorist clause. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options.
Do you think members of the public would be more inclined to report hit-and-run drivers if their identities were kept anonymous?
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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