A 17-year-old boy sustained serious injuries in a San Diego car accident the afternoon of October 20, 2009, 10 News reports. The injury accident occurred at Beyer Way and Picador Boulevard. The teenager was driving eastbound when his vehicle was struck by an SUV driven by another teen. The driver of the SUV fled the scene. But a witness followed the SUV and called police, who later found the vehicle and arrested both the occupants, who were only identified as teenagers. Paramedics airlifted the injured victim. He reported suffered a collapsed lung, fractured clavicle and a lacerated spleen.

My heart goes out to this young driver who apparently suffered rather serious injuries in this hit-and-run crash. I'm glad that the suspect driver has been apprehended. I wish the injured teen the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep him in your prayers.

San Diego Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 84 fatalities and 6,516 injuries involving
car accidents in the city of San Diego. In San Diego County, 268 deaths and 14,641 injuries were reported in 2007 as a result of car accidents.

Based on this news report, it is not clear who was at fault for the accident. However, California law states that if a motorist is involved in a car accident, he or she must stop – irrespective of whether he or she is at fault for the accident. California's hit-and-run laws are very clear. 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." Stopping at the scene of an accident is about taking responsibility for your actions. It's the right thing to do.

A California Car Accident Attorney Can Help

In cases where accidents cause serious injuries, it is in the best interests of the victims to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will keep up with the official investigation and make sure that the at-fault party is held financially responsible for the victim's medical expenses, loss of wages and other related damages. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition existed at the roadway or intersection where the accident occurred. If that was the case, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Any such claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

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.