Man Critically Injured in Orange Hit and Run Crash
A man suffered life threatening injuries in a hit and run car accident in Orange the evening of Feb. 21. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the incident occurred in the 300 block of West Katella Avenue. The man was struck by a gray Nissan Altima traveling east, police said. The driver fled and a witness ended up following the motorist to the 100 block of North Glassell Street when the suspect parked the vehicle and fled on foot. He was last seen running on East Hoover Avenue. The victim was transported to an area hospital. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Orange police at 714-744-7444.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the pedestrian who has been critically injured in this crash. We wish him the very best for a quick and full recovery.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2014 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 32 injuries reported in the city of Orange as a result of pedestrian accidents. Countywide, 47 people died and 764 were injured due to pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Hit-and-Run Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that the vehicle struck the pedestrian, but failed to stop or remain at the scene. California law requires motorists who are involved in injury or fatal crashes to stop and remain at the scene until authorities arrive. They are also required under the law to exchange information with other parties and most importantly, obtain assistance for the injured victims. Getting prompt medical attention can make the difference between life and death in pedestrian accident cases.
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.”
Justice for Victims
In a hit-and-run crash, the victims are the ones who deal with tremendous physical, emotional and financial burdens. Mounting medical bills, inability to return to one’s job, loss of livelihood can all weigh on victims in addition to the fact that the driver has not been held accountable. It is a fact that hit-and-run victims struggle seeking justice and fair compensation for their losses.
An experienced Orange County car accident lawyer can help safeguard the rights of injured victims in such cases. A knowledgeable attorney can also advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run case or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2018/02/20/man-seriously-hurt-in-orange-hit-and-run/