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Teen Skateboarder Killed in Vista Hit-and-Run Car Accident

A 15-year-old skateboarder killed in a San Diego car accident on January 29, 2010, has been identified as Lucas Giaconelli. According to a 10news report, Lucas was skateboarding with friends on Thibodo Road, near Edna Way, when a speeding Toyota Camry hit him from behind. The teen was soon transported to a local hospital with critical injuries, but died shortly afterward. The driver of the Camry did not stop and fled the scene of the fatal pedestrian accident. San Diego Sheriff’s deputies are looking for a white 1990s Toyota Camry with tinted windows, a broken headlight and front-end damage. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s department at 858-565-5200.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of young Lucas Giaconelli for their tragic, heartbreaking and untimely loss. I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this boy.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

There was one fatality and 27 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Vista, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In San Diego County as a whole, 51 people died and 1,068 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents.

Hit-and-Run Laws

I truly hope that the hit-and-run driver in this case is apprehended and brought to justice. What kind of a person would strike a child and leave him to die on the street without even stopping to help? Despicable!

Leaving the scene of an accident is not only unconscionable, but it is a serious crime under California law. If and when this driver is apprehended, he or she could be looking at felony hit-and-run charges. If it is determined that this driver was speeding, as eyewitnesses say, and caused this fatal pedestrian accident, he or she could even face manslaughter charges. I urge this individual who fled the scene of the crash to come forward and turn himself or herself in. It’s the right thing to do.

An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help

The family of Lucas Giaconelli would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of this case and make sure that the negligent parties are held responsible. If this accident was caused by a dangerous condition on the roadway, the governmental entity responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Any such claim against a governmental entity in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

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.

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