California Injury Blog
Yolanda Gonzales, a 49-year-old mother of three, was killed in a Bakersfield car accident after she was hit by a vehicle while crossing the street. The fatal pedestrian accident occurred the night of December 18, 2009 on East Truxtom Avenue near Gage Street. The driver did not stop at the scene. Gonzales was critically injured and died later at an area hospital. There is no suspect description yet, but officials say the hit-and-run vehicle may have been a white Dodge Neon. Authorities are looking for the suspect and have announced a $3,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest in this case.
My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Yolanda Gonzalez. I offer my deepest sympathies, especially to her three children who only a few years ago, lost their father. Please keep this grieving family in your prayers.
Car Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 24 people died and 1,126 were injured as a result of car accidents in Bakersfield, California. In Kern County as a whole, car accidents claimed 142 lives and injured 3,615 in 2007.
Hit-and-Run Law
In California, a driver who is involved in a traffic accident is required to remain at the scene and provide information to the other parties. Hit-and-run is a serious crime in California. 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.”
Contacting an Experienced Injury Attorney
This news report is not very clear on who was at fault for this accident. There are still questions here. Was Gonzales in a crosswalk or was she crossing at an intersection? However, in this case, even if Gonzales was at fault, the driver will face hit-and-run charges for leaving the scene. Victims’ families in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will make sure that their rights are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise the family about how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run accident or if the driver in question is uninsured or underinsured.
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.