Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

The Ventura California Highway Patrol is asking for the public's help in finding the driver of a vehicle that struck and critically injured a cyclist Monday afternoon in Saticoy. The accident occurred at the intersection of Nardo Street and Wells Road (California State Route 118) at about 2:50 p.m. on Monday, April 26th.

The cyclist, Jesus Esparza Delgado, who is about 65 years old, according to the Ventura County Star, was riding his bike south on Nardo Street when a vehicle heading north on Nardo turned left and strick him in the crosswalk at Wells Road. The impact forced Delgado into the car's window and then into the road. Delgado was not wearing a helmet and suffered very serious injuries. He was taken to Ventura County Medical Center, where he was reported to be in critical condition.

The vehicle was described by witnesses as a dark gray compact, possibly a Nissan Sentra from the late 80's or early 90's. A partial license plate of 2GW997 was provided. The car was reportedly last seen heading west on Wells Road toward Highway 126. One witness said two men who appeared to be in their 20s were in the vehicle. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the collision or the people in the car to call the Ventura CHP office at (805)477-4100.

We sincerely hope that the man hurt in this accident makes a full recovery. We also hope that the driver will come forward and turn himself in to authorities soon, or that he is located by law enforcement. Leaving the scene of any accident, regardless of who causes it, is against the law, not to mention heartless. Under the California Vehicle Code § 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."

In this case, even though the driver has not been located yet, the family of Jesus Delgado would still be well-advised to talk to a California bicycle accident lawyer about their legal rights following this hit-and-run accident. In the event the driver is not located, an attorney can explain how the victim may be entitled to compensation from his own insurance policy, if he has one.