Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

A 34-year-old Pinion Hills man died early July 4th after he was struck by a vehicle on the west side of Highway 395 in Victorville, the San Bernardino County Coroner reported. The victim was identified as Michael Wayne Hartley. According to news reports, the driver of the vehicle that struck Hartley fled the scene of the accident, which occurred north of Dos Palmos Road, at 1:27 a.m. The cause of the accident is under investigation and Victorville Police are actively searching for the driver of the vehicle involved in this fatal hit-and-run accident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Deputy James Snow of the Victorville Police Department at 760-241-2911.

Our condolences go out to the family of Michael Hartley and everyone who knew him and loved him. For his family's sake, we hope that the driver of the vehicle involved in this incident will turn himself in or be located by law enforcement. Regardless of who was at fault or how an accident occurs, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death to another is against the law. The penalties for a fatal hit-and-run accident vary whether the driver was driving negligently or grossly negligently, and whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drivers with previous DUI convictions may face more serious charges.

Hit-and-Run Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

Along with criminal charges, if the driver is located, he or she may also be liable for the victim's death in a civil claim for wrongful death. Damages for a wrongful death claim may include monetary compensation for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future lifetime earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care and companionship, as well as other expenses related to the accident. While this San Bernardino hit-and-run fatality remains under investigation, the family of the victims would be well-advised to speak to a San Bernardino pedestrian accident lawyer. Even if the driver is not located, an attorney may possibly be able to help the victim's family obtain compensation for their loss from the victim's own insurance policy, if he had one.