A motorcyclist injured a pedestrian in Ocean Beach San Diego and left passenger behind.
A pedestrian was hurt Monday night when he was struck by a motorcycle in Ocean Beach, San Diego police said. After the crash, the motorcyclist drove off, leaving his passenger behind. The crash happened in heavy traffic about 10:40 p.m. on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, several blocks south of Voltaire, Officer John Buttle said. Traffic ahead of the northbound Harley-Davidson motorcycle was stacked up, stopped for a red light at Voltaire, Buttle said. According to Buttle, the motorcyclist moved to the left of the line of cars and started driving down the middle of the road, either on the double yellow line or just to the left of it. Mid-block, between Brighten and Long Branch avenues, a 26-year-old man walked, or ran between the stopped cars, and right into the path of the Harley-Davidson. The motorcycle crashed into the man, leaving him with a dislocated hip. The motorcyclist drove off, but left his female passenger behind. Investigators had not yet determined who was at fault, and are waiting to talk with additional witnesses.
Dangers to pedestrians.
United States pedestrian fatalities are at their highest level since 1988. Recent data shows that 6,590 pedestrians were killed on U.S. roads in 2019, a 5% increase from 2018 and the continuation of a trend starting in 2009. Injuries are even more commonplace resulting in medical bills and long term physical disability. It is best to speak with a personal injury attorney soon after an accident to address all avenues of compensation to cover these unexpected expenses.
Criminal hit-and-run.
In this accident, the driver left behind his passenger to attend to the victim but hit-and-run is a criminal offense in California, resulting in misdemeanor and felony charges depending on the damages to person, or property.
Fault, time to file and compensation.
California is a “fault” state with regard to accidents, meaning that a victim can bring a claim against the responsible party before filing a claim against their own no-fault insurance, and there is a two year time period to file a suit after an accident. Damages related to injury after car accidents are usually paid out by insurance companies who gave liability coverage to the entity, or person who was negligent. Damages may include medical bills, future care, compensation loss, pain and suffering and loss of companionship.
Seek legal counsel.
If you, or someone you love is hit by a car, seek legal counsel immediately by contacting the Law Offices of Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates. They can be instrumental in the financial recovery necessary to address personal injury and damages within the designated statute of limitations.
Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates, a Professional Law Corporation
501 West Broadway, Suite 1650
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-233-8021
Fax: 619-233-3730
Sources:
https://www.greencarcongress.com/2020/03/20200302-ghsa.html
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV§ionNum=945.6
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV§ionNum=912.6
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1431.2.&lawCode=CIV
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV§ionNum=912.4
