California Injury Blog
Andrea Christle, 39, sustained major injuries the morning of August 8, 2010 in a San Francisco car accident after another driver made an illegal turn at a street intersection. According to a news report in the Napa Valley Register, 32-year-old Pedro Perez Mota, driving a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer, turned left against a red arrow at the intersection of Highway 12 and Highway 29, in Napa. The Lancer crashed into Christle’s 1997 Jeep Cherokee.
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Andrea Christle was transported to a local hospital with major injuries while her passengers — Jacob Hosburgh and Tyler Christle, both 18 — sustained minor injuries. Mota tried to leave the scene of the crash, but was stopped by a witness and held until authorities arrived. Mota was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run driving on a suspended license..
I am relieved to hear that no one was killed in this dangerous collision. I wish Andrea Christle and the two teens the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. These injured victims will be in my prayers
Car Accident Statistics
There were three deaths and 354 injuries involving car accidents in Napa, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 15 people died and 770 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
Laws and Liability Issues
This report states that Mota attempted to leave the scene of the accident, which is a serious crime under California law. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001(a): “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.” It also appears that Mota turned on a red light, which is a serious violation under California Vehicle Code section 21453 (a).
In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is concerned, injured victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and even long-term care, where catastrophic injuries are involved. Victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable for their actions. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run collision or to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.
Would you stop a hit-and-run driver if you witnessed such a collision where the driver was trying to get away?
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys 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.