Bicyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash

A bicyclist was fatally injured in a Santa Ana hit-and-run collision early morning on March 12, 2016. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the deadly crash occurred in the 1400 block of West Warner Avenue just east of the South Pacific Avenue intersection. Police say they responded to reports of a dark-colored SUV colliding with the bicyclist and then leaving the scene.

The bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. Police don’t have a description of the SUV’s driver, but witnesses said the SUV traveled eastbound on Warner after the collision. The bicyclist was only identified as an adult male. Anyone with details about this hit-and-run collision is asked to contact Santa Ana police at 714-245-8209.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of this deceased bicyclist. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 200 injuries reported as a result of bicycle accidents in the city of Santa Ana. In Orange County as a whole, nine people died and 1,309 were injured due to bicycle collisions during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Law

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the SUV not only struck and fatally injured the bicyclist, but also left him lying in the roadway. Outrageous! Not only is leaving the scene of a fatal accident an inhumane and irresponsible act, but it is also illegal. 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.”

Holding Drivers Accountable

We certainly hope the driver of the SUV in this case is apprehended and brought to justice. If you have any information about this incident, please visit our Hit-and-Run Reward website at hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and to become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing may have been a factor, families of deceased victims would be well advised to retain the services of an experienced Orange County bicycle accident lawyer who will remain on their side, stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.