Maria Hernandez, 60, was killed in a Garden Grove hit and run. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal hit and run collision occurred the morning of December 5, 2012 at the intersection of Katella Avenue and Gilbert Street. Hernandez was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk pushing an unoccupied wheelchair. A yellow, taxi minivan, which was westbound and doing 40 mph hit the woman and fled the scene.
Officials suspect that Hernandez was crossing against the light and that the taxi had the green light at the time. Hernandez was transported to a local trauma center where she died from her injuries. Police are still looking for the hit and run taxi and its driver. Anyone with information is asked to call California Highway Patrol officials at 949-559-7888.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Maria Hernandez for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accidents
Three people died and 44 were injured as a result of Garden Grove pedestrian accidents in 2010, the California Highway Patrol reports. During the same year, 32 fatalities and 770 injuries were reported due to pedestrian accidents in Orange County.
Violation of Laws
Based on this news article, it appears that the taxi struck Hernandez who was attempting to cross the roadway in a marked crosswalk. California Vehicle Code Section 21950 states: “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.” The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk “shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.”
Regardless of the circumstances of the accident, the law requires motorists involved to stop immediately and remain at the scene, especially when someone has been injured or killed. Motorists are required to exchange information with other parties involved in the crash and most importantly, get help for injured victims. In this particular case, the motorist decided to drive away, leaving the critically injured victim lying on the roadway without care or medical attention. Unconscionable!
Holding Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable
I certainly hope that the hit and run driver in this case is apprehended and brought to justice. If you saw this incident or have information about it, please visit our dedicated hit-and-run website at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.
Families of deceased hit-and-run victims have rights and deserve just compensation. An experienced Garden Grove personal injury lawyer will be able to stay on top of the official investigation and protect their rights. A knowledgeable attorney will be able to explain how the family’s auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run crash or in a case where the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured.
SLS Consulting