Henry Franco Jr., 25, of Anaheim was killed in a Garden Grove pedestrian accident the morning of April 19, 2009, The Orange County Register reports. Franco was apparently found lying in the middle of a street in the 7300 block of Orangewood Avenue. Several vehicle parts were also found on the street. No witnesses to this pedestrian versus car crash have been located yet, Garden Grove police officials said. If you saw this car crash or have more information about it, please call Garden Grove police investigator Jason Perkins at 714-741-5823.
My heart goes out to the family of Henry Franco Jr. for their tragic loss. Here is a young man who was killed because of the negligence of an irresponsible driver. I offer my deepest sympathies to Franco’s family and friends. Please keep them in your prayers.
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Reporting System, there were 49 pedestrian accident related injuries in Garden Grove. In Orange County as a whole in 2007 there were 41 deaths and 726 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents.
The driver of the car, who struck and killed Henry Franco Jr. and then took off without identifying himself or herself or rendering aid, committed a despicable act and violated California law. The California Vehicle Code requires motorists to stop at the scene of a crash whether or not the accident was their fault. If a motorist was not at fault, but did not stop to help the injured victim or provide identification, he or she may still face criminal hit-and-run charges.
California Vehicle Code Section 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.” Hit-and-run is also a crime under California Penal Code Section 192.
I hope this driver is apprehended and brought to justice. Henry Franco’s family would be well-advised to consult experienced Orange County pedestrian accident attorneys to get more information about their legal rights and options. Families of deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim in such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is suspected. A wrongful death claim compensates victims’ families for medical/funeral expenses, loss of wages and other related expenses.