Police are searching for a hit-and-run driver who backed over an elderly woman in Huntington Beach on Tuesday afternoon.
The accident happened just before 2:30 p.m. in a parking lot next to a McDonald's restaurant in the 16000 block of Beach Blvd., near Robidoux Dr. The woman, 85-years-old, had just exited the McDonalds with her husband and daughter and was walking towards their car. Surveillance video from the McDonalds shows a gray Dodge Challenger back up and strike the woman. The victim's husband and daughter then bang on the rear of the car. The video shows the car's male driver and female passenger get out and approach the victim, then get back into the car and drive off. The victim is left lying on the ground. The driver fled northbound on Beach Blvd.
Just before she was struck, the elderly woman tried to get out of the way of the car.
The victim was transported to a local hospital, treated and released. According to the Huntington Beach Police Department, the victim suffered injury to her head.
Police are describing the hit and run car as a newer Dodge Challenger with no front license plate, chrome rims and a chrome gas cap. The car's driver is described as a white or Asian male in his mid 20s, approximately 6' tall, medium build, short black hair. The passenger is described as a white or Asian female in her 20s, long dark hair, approximately 5'5" tall, medium build, wearing a white vest.
Injuries to Elderly Car Accident Victims
Elderly accident victims are more likely to suffer aggravation of a pre-existing condition and slower to heal than able-bodied young accident victims. Particularly for the elderly, their independence and good health are precious. When an accident impairs a senior's mobility and prior good health, the consequences can be devastating, not only for the accident victim, but also for the victim's family members. An in-home care giver may be needed during the time that the elderly accident victim recuperates from his or her injuries.
Who will Pay for an In-Home Caregiver for an Injured Senior after an Accident?
If the hit-and-run driver is identified and the driver has insurance, then the driver's auto insurance carrier will pay for the victim's bills, including any reasonably necessary in-home caregiver.
If the hit-and-run driver is never identified, then the victim can make a claim under their own auto insurance policy, if the victim has uninsured motorist coverage. At McGee, Lerer & Associates, our car accident lawyers strongly recommend that all drivers carry at least $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident in uninsured motorist coverage. Too often, we see that the drivers who cause accidents have no insurance, or not enough insurance, to cover a victim's injury claim. Read more about uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage here.
If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a hit and run driver, an auto accident attorney at our firm is available 24-7 for a free consultation. We have five office locations: Santa Monica, Long Beach, Pasadena and Los Angeles.