As addressed in previous posts, pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries or even fatalities. This is especially true when an accident involves a motor vehicle and a pedestrian. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, nearly 5,000 pedestrians die each year in motor vehicle related accidents. More than 78,000 pedestrian injuries are caused each year when vehicles strike unsuspecting pedestrians.

Adding to these statistics is a hit-and-run accident that occurred on December 19th in the Bay Area. According to police, the accident left one South San Francisco man seriously injured in the street while on his way to a Christmas pageant. Witnesses say the pedestrian was injured when a driver in a white Ford truck struck him as he was getting out of his car.

The victim is currently in a local trauma center in serious condition. Following the accident, the suspect was arrested on several charges in connection with the accident.

Although it is unknown whether any civil claim will be filed in this case, victims of accidents such as this one need to be aware of their legal rights. Despite pending criminal charges, it may be possible to bring a civil suit if injured due to another person's negligence.

The outcome of every case depends on a careful analysis of the facts and applicable law. In many cases, there may be more than one party legally responsible for the accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can assist is assessing a potential legal claim and protecting a victim's potential recovery for damages sustained.

Source: San Mateo County Times, "South San Francisco: suspect arrested in hit-and-run that left one critically injured," Erin Ivie, Dec. 26, 2012