Police in Dana Point are looking for a hit-and-run driver who they say struck and seriously injured a 7-year-old girl in front of her home. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the incident occurred the evening of May 10, 2010 near Silver Lantern Street and La Paz Avenue. The girl was playing with a 6-year-old friend in front of her house when a light-colored vehicle with a blue stripe hit her. The driver, who officials say was in a pickup truck or a "military-style" vehicle, fled the scene of the crash. The girl was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. The suspect vehicle was last seen heading east on La Paz Avenue. Anyone with information about this hit-and-run collision is asked to contact Orange County Sheriff's investigators at 949-425-1860 or visit our web site at www.hitandrunreward.com to find out how you can anonymously report such information.

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My heart goes out to this young girl and her family for what they are going through at this time. I hope she has not sustained any catastrophic injuries and pray that she has a quick and complete recovery. She will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but seven injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Dana Point. In Orange County as a whole, 31 people were killed and 785 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Laws

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law. 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." In this particular case, the driver should have stopped whether or not he or she believed the accident was his or her fault. Motorists are required to stop regardless of whose fault the accident was.

Protecting their Rights

In such cases, injured victims and their families would be well-advised to consult an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, then the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

What are some of the most dangerous streets or roadways for pedestrians in your city or neighborhood?

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.