Two people on a motorcycle were killed and one other driver seriously injured in a San Francisco car accident, which officials say was the result of a driver making an unsafe lane change. According to a Bay City News report, the fatal crash occurred in the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 near Lone Tree Way, in Antioch. California Highway Patrol officials say the driver of a Ford F-250 pickup truck made an unsafe lane change on the highway the afternoon of June 15, 2010 and caused a Honda Civic to strike the motorcycle. The pickup truck then fled the scene of the accident. The motorcyclist and the passenger were transported to an area hospital where they died shortly afterward. The driver of the Civic sustained serious injuries. Anyone with information is asked to contact 1-800-TELL-CHP.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of these deceased victims for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. My best wishes go out to the seriously injured victim here for a quick and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 292 injuries involving car accidents in Antioch. In Contra Costa County as a whole, 59 deaths and 3,621 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Laws

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver of the pickup truck caused the accident and then left the scene of the crash. Under California law, leaving the scene of an accident or hit-and-run is a serious crime. 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." I trust officials will soon apprehend this suspect and bring him or her to justice.

Claim for Compensation

This incident is a classic example of a "non-contact hit-and-run," which means that the suspect vehicle did cause the accident, but there was no collision. Still, the driver of the pickup truck should have stopped, exchanged information with the other party and rendered aid to the injured victims. The driver of the Ford truck could not only face felony hit-and-run charges, but could also be held civilly liable for the wrongful deaths of the two people on the motorcycle, and for the injuries to the driver of the Honda. In such cases victims and their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will examine all aspects of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable.

What are some suggestions you would make to curb hit-and-run incidents?

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.