Rosemont, CA — A 12-year-old student from Albert Einstein Middle School was injured Thursday morning, September 26, 2024, after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run near the school, KCRA reported.
The incident occurred at around 8 AM as the student was crossing the street on Mirandy Drive, just east of Huntsman Drive, in a marked crosswalk.
According to Principal Chase Tafoya, the student, who was riding their bicycle at the time, was hit by a silver Hyundai Santa Fe, believed to be a model from 2001 to 2006. The driver of the vehicle did not stop after the collision, leaving the scene as the student lay injured. The boy was quickly provided first aid before being transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries.
The crosswalk where the crash took place is located near Albert Einstein Middle School, a busy area during the school’s morning hours, as students arrive for classes. Mirandy Drive, with its proximity to Kiefer Boulevard, sees a fair amount of traffic, especially during peak hours. Despite this, the driver failed to slow down, striking the young student.
Principal Tafoya expressed concern in a letter sent to parents, stating that the school will be investigating the incident to determine if additional safety measures are needed for students walking or biking to school.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) released a statement later in the day, providing a description of the vehicle involved and requesting that anyone with information come forward. Officers are actively investigating the hit-and-run and hope to identify and locate the driver responsible.
Duty of Care Toward Bicyclists
Drivers have a specific “Duty of Care” towards bicyclists, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for bicyclists with whom they share the road and, if a collision occurs, staying with the victim to ensure they get proper medical treatment and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those injured in a bicycle accident, filing a Personal Injury claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills and other related damages.
If the at-fault driver avoids legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
