Santa Ana Hit-and-Run Crash Seriously Injures Pedestrian

Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a female driver who they say ran a red light, struck and seriously injured a pedestrian who was walking in a marked crosswalk. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the major injury collision occurred at the intersection of South Bristol Street and West Central Avenue early morning on April 20, 2016. Witnesses identified the vehicle as a black, four-door BMW with paper plates.

Major Injury Collision

They said the woman struck the 26-year-old man in the crosswalk, got out of the vehicle and walked up to the victim. She then got back in her car and fled. A witness followed her for a short distance but lost sight of the vehicle. The pedestrian was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. Another witness managed to snap a photo of the driver before she sped away. Police are asking that anyone with information call them at 714- 245-8200.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured pedestrian. We wish him the very best for a quick and full recovery.

Violation of Laws

Based on this news report, it appears that the woman not only ran a red light, but struck a pedestrian who was walking in a marked crosswalk. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a), motorists are required to stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians who are walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks. In addition, the woman left the scene of the injury crash without waiting for authorities, exchanging information or most importantly assisting the injured victim.

Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable

We certainly hope that this driver is apprehended and brought to justice. Often, in hit- and-run cases, the victims are left wondering how to pay for financial losses such as medical expenses, hospitalization costs and lost income. They have no one to hold accountable until the driver is apprehended.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, contact an experienced Santa Ana personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that your legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also be able to advise victims about how the uninsured motorist clause of their auto insurance policies might apply to a hit-and-run crash where the driver has not been found, or in a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.