San Francisco News Reports that two women have been killed in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident. According to reports, the woman were walking near the intersection of Mission and Second when they were struck by the vehicle.
Initial reports indicate that a man had stolen the car just moments before, then hit another vehicle before striking the women. He then exited the car and fled the scene of the accident. He was later detained.
California has very strict hit and run laws, and those who break them may face fines, penalties and potential jail time. California Vehicle Code § 20001 and 20002 require a driver to stop as soon as is safe to do so if he or she has been in an accident. Specifically, a driver may be charged with a crime where they fail to (a) immediately stop at the scene of the accident, (b) provide reasonable assistance to any person injured in the accident, and/or (c) give to the person injured, or any police officer at the scene of the accident, his personal information (e.g., name and current address). Where only property damage occurs, misdemeanor charges may apply.
Further in addition to potential criminal charges, drivers may also face a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit for harm caused in a motor vehicle accident.
In this incident, since the car was stolen, numerous other potential criminal charges may exist.
If you have been in an accident, it is important to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer at once. A skilled San Francisco accident attorney can begin an investigation into all of the factors that may have caused or contributed to the incident, and fight to ensure you recover the damages you and your loved ones deserve.
For more information, please contact our dedicated San Francisco trial attorneys at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.