Pedestrian Killed in San Francisco Area Hit-and-Run Car Accident
Harish Tailor, 60, was killed in a San Francisco car accident after he was struck by a car while crossing the street in Santa Cruz, California. According to a news report in the San Jose Mercury News, Tailor was crossing Laurel Street heading toward Felix Street the night of November 13, 2009 when a 1980s pickup truck traveling east on Laurel struck him. Tailor was thrown several feet across the street and onto a curb and died at the scene of his injuries. The driver of the pickup did not stop and fled the scene of the accident. Police say the suspect vehicle could have been a blue or green Ford F-150 with possible damage to the left front. Anyone with information regarding the hit-and-run can call the investigations unit at 831-420-5820 or the anonymous tip line at 831-420-5995.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Harish Tailor for their heartbreaking loss. Apparently, the man, a native of India, was a tailor by profession and had recently filed to have his children and grandchildren to move to America. He was a much sought-after tailor who also enjoyed wearing and making nice clothes. What a devastating blow for this family! They will certainly be in my prayers.
California Hit-and-Run Law
Leaving the scene of any car accident in California is a serious crime under state law. Motorists are required to remain at the crash scene, irrespective of whether or not the accident was their fault. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "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."
The law also states motorists should yield right-of-way to pedestrians who are walking in a crosswalk or at an intersection. 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."
An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
I hope this hit-and-run suspect is apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The Tailor family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will stay on top of the criminal investigation, make sure the family's rights are protected and that they receive just compensation for the damages and loss they have suffered. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation to cover funeral or medical expenses, loss of earnings, loss of companionship and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free initial consultation to accident victims and their families.
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.
