HIT AND RUN ACCIDENTS IN MARIN COUNTY: CALL A SF PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY IF YOU ARE A VICTIM
Hit and run accidents may pose more liability to the drivers because unlike an accident where the driver remains on the scene, a hit and run driver may have acted more recklessly, and may have more responsibility to the victim’s injuries. For example, if the driver had stopped in the accident, he may have been able to call for help or help the victim himself. But, if the driver leaves the scene of the accident, then the victim might suffer further consequences of the accident without receiving the necessary help.
Renita Michelle Surles of Antioch pleaded guilty to four felony charges related to a fatal hit and run accident on March 19, 2008. The accident occurred on Highway 101 when Ms. Surles hit Jorge Luis Rodas Lopez, who was stranded on the side of the road. Mr. Lopez was thrown seventy feet from the impact of the crash. California Highway Patrol found part of Ms. Surles’ bumper at the scene of the accident, and traced it back to an auto body shop, who traced it back to Ms. Surles. According to official reports, Ms. Surles’ blood alcohol level was 0.19 and 0.20 percent. In addition to the hit and run charge, Ms. Surles was also charged with child endangerment because she had her five year old son in the car with her.
In another unrelated case, Lee David Harbert was sentenced to three years in jail for a hit and run accident which killed Gurdeep Kaur in Moraga approximately four years ago. Mr. Harbert hit Ms. Kaur with such force that her body shattered the windshield, the hood was crumpled and the hood’s ornament was snapped off.
There is the possibility that if Ms. Surles had stopped when she hit Mr. Lopez, she would have gotten the proper help for Mr. Lopez. It is not known if Mr. Lopez’s family has filed a wrongful death against Ms. Surles. If your family member has been involved in a hit and run accident, call Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately and find out your rights by speaking to an experienced attorney at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). We will advance all costs, and you don’t pay anything until we win your case for you. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about our attorneys.
