January 1, 2013—Anaheim, California—A search has been instituted by Anaheim authorities for a driver believed to be responsible for a man’s death near the 91 Freeway. The victim, a 78-year-old man, was struck by a driver who fled the scene, according to ABC News.
The victim was crossing the street in a crosswalk on the Imperial Highway around 10:30 p.m. when he fell to the ground for unknown reasons, according to witnesses. One vehicle stopped to yield the right-of-way to the man, but a second vehicle struck him then left the scene. The victim’s identity has not been released, but he was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
The vehicle that hit him was described as a small compact car. The vehicle initially stopped but then sped away, according to witnesses. Police are asking anyone with information on the accident to come forward.
Witnesses who prefer to remain anonymous can report tips through the Hit-and-Run Reward Program by calling 1-800-644-8678 or visiting the website at www.bestattorney.com/hitnrunreward. There may be a cash reward of up to $1,000 available for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a hit-and-run driver.
Hit-and-Run Statistics are Startling
Los Angeles has a hit-and-run accident rate four times higher than the national average, according to a recent report. Hit-and-run drivers account for one in five fatal accidents in the Los Angeles area, and the report blames unlicensed drivers for the vast majority of these crimes. According to the report, these drivers flee the scene in at least half of all accidents in which they are involved.
Unlicensed and uninsured drivers are far more likely to flee the scene of an accident due to fear of repercussions if they are caught. Drivers with criminal records and outstanding warrants are also much more likely to hit a pedestrian or another driver and attempt to escape.
No matter what the reason for a hit-and-run driver’s actions, the damages left behind are inescapable. Many people suffer physical and emotional trauma or lose loved ones permanently as a result of the negligence and carelessness of a hit-and-run driver, although it may be difficult to hold the driver accountable if witnesses do not step forward to identify him or her.
Liability Issues in Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run drivers do not just cost the county and state money, although this is certainly an important factor in hit-and-run accidents. More importantly, the victims of a hit-and-run accident are never able to confront the driver if he or she is not caught. This means that, for a victim or a surviving family, the driver will never have to face the responsibility of the accident.
However, if the driver is caught, the victim of a hit-and-run accident can sue for damages. If the driver is not caught, the victim’s own insurance company may be made to pay some or all of the costs of the accident. Victims of hit-and-run drivers often need the advice of a personal injury attorney in order to recover damages, as these cases can become very complicated.