Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

Police are looking for the driver of an older model Chrysler following a hit and run collision Friday evening in San Bernardino. Thomas Joseph Meeks, 19, died at the scene of the crash; his 15-year-old stepbrother suffered life-threatening head injuries and was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition, the San Bernardino Sun reported Saturday. The hit and run bicycle accident occurred around 7 p.m. Friday, February 19th on 40th Street, between Johnson Street and Acre Lane in San Bernardino. The vehicle, an older model Chrysler or Pontiac, was travelling east on 40th Street about 40 mph when he struck the two boys, throwing them off the bicycle about 60 to 80 feet. One of the boys was sitting on the bicycle handlebars.

Police Sgt. Rich Lawhead told the San Bernardino Sun that investigators have "really have very little to go on." Anyone who witnessed this accident or has information about the accident is asked to call Sgt. Rich Lawhead at 909-384-5738 or 909-384-5735.

Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death is against the law in California. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident." Regardless of who was at fault, by the nature of being a party to this collision, the driver had a legal responsibility to stop. We hope that the driver is located or makes the decision to turn himself or herself in to authorities. Our sympathy goes out to the family of both victims, and we sincerely hope the injured boy is able to recover from his very serious injuries.