A recent accident in Rialto has law enforcement talking about pedestrian’s rights on the road and what should happen to people who leave the scene of an accident. These can be complicated cases but one thing is certain: If a person is struck by a vehicle while a pedestrian, they have rights. Read on to learn more about them and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in California.
The accident in question
The accident took place on Foothill Boulevard in Rialto. One women did from her injuries and another woman was in critical condition as of this writing. The police did find what they believe is the vehicle that struck them at a nearby apartment complex. The car they think was the car that hit them had damage to the front of it. That said, they still don’t have the person who was driving the car when the fatal car accident occurred.
Potential legal penalties for the driver in a hit and run accident
What could have been your typical car accident can turn into a serious criminal incident if the driver doesn’t stick around. As a result, if you’re ever involved in an accident, then you need to stop at the scene. The only reason that you can legally leave is to get yourself or another person emergency medical care. In that event, get you and others safe and then contact the authorities.
A hit and run is when a car hits something else on the road. It could be another car, a person, a bike, or even the property of another person. As far as fault goes, even if the driver who left wasn’t at fault, they can be charged with a hit and run for leaving the scene. Likewise, a passenger who was fleeing could potentially be charged with hit and run charges as well.
In California, the charges are serious. The driver who’s convicted of a misdemeanor hit and run could be spending as much as six months in jail and paying fines of up to $1,000. On the other hand, a driver involved in a felony hit and run – which is essentially any hit and run where a person was injured – could be spending four years in prison and paying fines of as much as $10,000.
The victims have rights too
The penal system is set up to punish the guilty party in a hit and run accident but what about the person who’s injured as a pedestrian like the case above? They have legal recourse too. If the guilty party is never found, than the victims’ uninsured motorist coverage should provide some financial compensation.
If the driver is found, then they can be sued for injuries and damages. If you or a loved one is in this position and has been injured in a hit and run car accident then we urge you to call us at 909-982-0707 sooner rather than later. With our decades of experience we can ensure you know every options and have the information you need to choose the right path forward.
