Madera Police are looking for the driver of a white Volkswagen Jetta that fatally struck a 68-year-old Madera man Saturday night, the Fresno Bee reported. The fatal hit-and-run accident occurred at about 8 p.m. at the intersection of Sixth Street and South A. Street on Saturday, September 25th, 2010. The victim was identified as Eladio Lemus, 68, of Madera. Anyone with information about the accident is urged to call Madera Police at (559) 675-4212.
Hit-and-Run Accidents and the Law
Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, "The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to any person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident." Hit-and-run accidents are devastating incidents - there is absolutely no reason to not stop at the scene of an accident, regardless of who was at fault or how an incident occurs. For the sake of the family of the Eladio Lemus, we hope that the driver is located or turns himself or herself in shortly.
Hit-and-Run Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability
In situations such as this one, where a pedestrian is the victim of a hit-and-run accident, the family members of the victim may benefit from speaking to a knowledgeable northern California hit-and-run accident lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney who has represented numerous families of victims of hit-and-run accidents may be able to aid in the investigation and preservation of evidence, as well as advise the family of the victim's legal rights in the event the driver is not located. If the victim had an automobile insurance policy, the victim's family may be entitled to compensation for their loss from that policy. If the driver is located and determined to be at least partially at fault for the accident, the victim's family may be able to pursue compensation against the driver in a civil claim for wrongful death.
Sources: Fresno Bee
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