California Injury Blog
A man was killed in a bicycle accident in Stanton after a vehicle struck him at the intersection of Chapman Avenue and Beach Boulevard early morning on January 18, 2017. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the driver of the vehicle fled the scene before officers arrived at the scene. The victim was transported to an area trauma center where he died shortly afterward.
A little later, Garden Grove police made a traffic stop on a vehicle matching the description of the suspected hit-and-run vehicle. The driver was detained and questioned, but not arrested. Officials said the investigation is ongoing to determine if they have the “right guy.” Investigators are also not sure yet if the bicyclist was using the crosswalk or if the driver might have run the red light.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members and friends of the deceased victim for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Based on this news report, it appears that police are still in the process of answering a number of critical questions. Regardless of who was at fault here or what occurred, the driver had a duty to remain at the scene of the crash, provide pertinent information and most importantly to provide aid to the critically injured victim. However, he simply fled the scene of the crash leaving the bicyclist on the roadway, exposed to the danger of suffering further injury.
In cases where victims are left seriously wounded, victims and their families struggle to pay medical bills and other expenses in the aftermath of a physically and emotionally traumatic incident. Families of deceased victims are left with no one to hold responsible, particularly in cases where drivers are not apprehended.
Protecting Your Rights
Injured victims of hit-and-run crashes would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury attorney who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition might have caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable.