Vacaville, CA (September 30, 2024) – On Monday night, 73-year-old Romeo Banayat was struck by a hit-and-run driver while crossing Browns Valley Road and Vacavalley Parkway with his dog, Snowman.
Accident Details: Banayat, who is an amputee, sustained a dislocated shoulder and fractured hip. His daughter found him lying injured on the road while driving home. The Vacaville Police Department is still searching for the driver involved. The Banayat family, who previously lost their mother to cancer, is devastated by the incident. They are now calling for better safety measures at the intersection where the hit-and-run occurred.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination.
Hit-and-Run and Driver Negligence: A driver fleeing the scene after striking a pedestrian can indicate negligence. In this case, if the driver responsible for hitting Banayat is found, they could face criminal charges and civil liability for their actions. From a civil perspective, California law allows victims of hit-and-run accidents to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver. Damages could include medical expenses, pain and suffering, and compensation for ongoing care due to the severity of the injuries.
Municipality’s Duty to Address Pedestrian Safety: Banayat’s family has expressed concerns about the intersection’s safety, calling for crosswalks or four-way lights to prevent further incidents. This issue is significant given that Banayat’s accident is one of three pedestrian-related vehicle collisions in Vacaville within two weeks. If a municipality is aware of a pattern of dangerous conditions, such as repeated pedestrian accidents, they may have a duty to take corrective action. If it is found that the City of Vacaville had knowledge of the increasing pedestrian accidents and failed to implement appropriate safeguards, there may be grounds for a claim against the municipality.
My thoughts are with the Banayat family during this difficult time. I hope the investigation yields justice and that Banayat makes a full recovery.
Source: ABC 10