California Injury Blog
Police are seeking the driver of a white Jeep Cherokee who they say was involved in a deadly hit and run crash in Santa Ana on July 17 that took the life of a pedestrian identified as 81-year-old Norman Kent of Garden Grove. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, several people called police to report a man lying in the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and McFadden Avenue the night of July 17th. Orange County fire officials arrived and tried to treat the injured person later identified as Kent. But, he died before he could be transported to a hospital.
Ongoing Investigation
Based on a preliminary investigation, police determined that Kent was standing on the center median of McFadden Avenue near Harbor Boulevard when a Jeep struck him. The Jeep was traveling west and did not stop after striking the pedestrian, police said. They also said the vehicle would have likely sustained front-end damage. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Santa Ana PD’s collision investigation unit at 714-245-8216.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of Norman Kent for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Jeep left the scene of the crash. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), it is against the law to leave the scene of a crash without stopping and cooperating with police, exchanging pertinent information with other parties, and most importantly, rendering aid to the injured victim. Motorists are required to stop and remain at the scene of a fatal or injury crash regardless of whose perceived fault it may have been.
Families of deceased hit and run victims would be well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Santa Ana hit and run lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to help families understand how their own auto insurance policy might provide compensation especially in cases where the driver is not found or here the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2020/07/18/driver-of-jeep-in-fatal-hit-and-run-in-santa-ana-sought-by-police/