California Injury Blog
An 84-year-old man who was dusting off his truck was hit and severely injured by a hit-and-run driver in Santa Ana.
According to an NBC news report, Rafael Garcia had a daily routine of cleaning his cars after making a trip to the market. Garcia was doing just that when a car drove toward him and struck him in a serious collision on Third Street.
Ongoing Investigation
A neighbor’s security camera captured a black Toyota Corolla, along with the sound of the impact as it struck Garcia outside his home, and then took off. The great grandfather had suffered brain injuries and brain damage as a result of the crash and doctors have told the family that there is nothing more they can do, NBC reported.
Police also say there was a second hit and run minutes later as the same car was seen northbound on Raitt turning right on Seventh Street. A pedestrian was struck and the driver kept driving again. Officials described the injuries in that case as “moderate.” Police say the suspect vehicle is a black four-door with oxidized paint on the roof, likely a 2006 to 2010 model. Officials also said they don’t have much information to go on. The investigation is ongoing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of these hit-and-run crashes. We hope they would have a complete recovery, even though Garcia appears to be in critical condition.
Laws and Liability Issues
California Vehicle Code 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.” The law also states that motorists must remain at the scene, exchange pertinent information with other parties involved, and most importantly, render aid to injured victims.
Hit-and-run victims and their families would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County hit-and-run lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. In such cases, compensation may be available for the victims’ families from the uninsured motorist clause of their auto insurance policy. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer can help families understand how their own auto insurance policy might apply in a case where the hit-and-run driver has not been found or in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/grandfather-injured-santa-ana-hit-run-crash/2684604/