A hit-and-run collision in the San Francisco bay area proved fatal for 80-year-old Manuel Enos. The Contra Costa Times reports that Enos was struck fatally by the driver of a Toyota Corolla at the intersection of California Street and Franklin Avenue. Enos was walking in a marked crosswalk at the time. The driver struck him and drove away, but was later apprehended and identified as Keibun Son, 46. She has been booked on suspicion of felony hit-and-run.
My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Manuel Enos. I offer my deepest sympathies especially to his family and friends. They will be in my prayers.
Hit-and-Run Collisions
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 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions statewide.
The Law Relating to Hit-and-Run Collisions
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." Drivers are required under the law to stop at the scene of the crash, irrespective of who caused the crash. If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver, Son, may have failed to yield right-of-way to the pedestrian, who was walking in a crosswalk. California Vehicle Code section 21950 requires motorists to yield right-of-way to pedestrians who are walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
Claim for Compensation
It would be in the best interests of victims' families in such cases to seek the counsel of a reputed San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective condition on the roadway may have caused or contributed to the incident. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a public entity must be filed within six months of the incident.
As a driver, what steps would you take to avoid vehicle versus pedestrian collisions, especially at street intersections?
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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