Yolanda Gonzales, 49, was killed in a Bakersfield car accident after she was struck by a hit-and-run driver. According to a KGET news report, Gonzales was hit in the 1000 block of East Truxton Avenue near Gage Street the night of December 18, 2009. The driver fled the scene leaving Gonzales in the street with critical injuries. Officials say the suspect vehicle may have been a white Dodge Neon. Gonzales died shortly after the crash at a local hospital. The secret witness program in Bakersfield is offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to an arrest in this hit-and-run car accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Yolanda Gonzales for their heartbreaking loss. Her daughter Chantel Cobine says she and her two siblings lost their father just a few years ago and now they've lost their mother. Tragic! This family will certainly be in my prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

There were 24 fatalities and 1,126 injuries involving car accidents in Bakersfield, according to California Highway Patrol's 2007 traffic accident statistics. In Kern County as a whole, 142 people died and 3,615 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

California Car Accident Law

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime in California. A motorist involved in an accident is not only required to remain at the scene of the crash and exchange information with the other party, but also obtain help for injured victims. In this case, the motorist did not even to stop. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "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."

An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help

Based on this news report, it is not clear exactly where Gonzales was walking or who was at fault. But, irrespective of who caused the accident, the driver should have remained at the scene, as the law requires. Gonzales' family would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and help protect their legal rights.

A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway caused or contributed to this accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Any claim against a governmental entity in California must be filed within six months of the accident or injury. A skilled injury lawyer should tell the family how their car insurance policy would apply to a hit-and-run car accident or an incident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.