Hit-And-Run Victim In Buena Park Hospitalized

On Sunday afternoon, a pedestrian was run over by car in Buena Park in what appears to have been an intentional hit-and-run.  The incident was caught on video, and the Buena Park Police Department is actively investigating the collision.   According to news reports, the hit-and-run was reported just after 1:00 p.m. and officers responded to the scene at Orangethorpe Avenue and Campus Drive to find a 20-year-old victim in the street.  Police described the car as a gold, four-door compact sedan -- possibly a Mitsubishi or Infiniti -- with tinted windows.  The car sustained moderate damage to the front passenger-side windshield during the crash.  The victim was taken to UCI Medical Center and is expected to survive.  

Anyone with information on the car is asked to contact police at 714-562-3970.

See the KTLA news report and video footage HERE.

It is rare that an accident like the one above occurs without there being some motivation and/or intoxication on the part of the driver.  In this instance, from a review of the video, it appears the driver actually took aim and struck the pedestrian on purpose, before speeding away.  That driver, who will likely be identified, is facing very serious criminal charges for felony hit-and-run.  In addition to that, there is the civil liability of the driver for the injuries and damages the victim sustained.   One issue that inevitably arises in situations like this is one of insurance coverage.  Under California law, a driver cannot be insured for "willful acts".  Under California Insurance Code, § 533, an insurance company is not liable for a loss caused by a willful act of the insured.  In this case, the hit-and-run victim could be left with little or no compensation because of the statutory prohibition against such insurance coverage.  The victim's remedies will likely be against only the driver of the car and his personal assets, if any.

Compensation for the victims of hit-and-run accidents should be an important concern for all Californians. When a driver operates their vehicle in a reckless or intentional manner causing a serious or fatal accident and then flees the scene, they should be accountable for all of the injuries and damages they cause.   An attorney with experience at handling hit-and-run accidents can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years years of experience handling auto and personal injury cases.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an accident caused by a hit-and-run driver?

Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.