Police in Costa Mesa are looking for a hit-and-run driver who they say struck and injured a man outside a bar the night of May 13, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the incident occurred outside the Shark Club in the 800 block of Baker Street. The victim was apparently walking north across Baker Street when he was struck. Police say there was no crosswalk at that location, but that pedestrians can legally cross at that location when it is safe to do so.

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Witnesses pursued the hit and run vehicle, described as a 2001 Toyota, and obtained a license plate number of "4NHD477." The victim was transported to an area trauma center and is said to have suffered a concussion. He is expected to survive. Anyone with information about this accident is asked to contact Costa Mesa police at 714-754-5252.

My heart goes out to this injured victim, who was apparently leaving the restaurant and nightclub with his wife at the time. It is indeed fortunate that he did not sustain life-threatening injuries. I wish this injured victim the best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your prayers.

Hit-and-Run Car Accidents

According to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California in 2008. A majority of these car accidents involved injuries. Also, a total of 247 fatalities occurred in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions in California.

Law and Liability Issues

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law. In this particular case, the driver should have remained at the scene, exchanged information with the victim and obtained help for the injured man. 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." Motorists are required to remain at the scene irrespective of who is at fault for the accident.

In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Costa Mesa personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise injured victims about how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run car accident or to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

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None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.