Los Angeles Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident
Paul Michael Stout, 20, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident and two others were injured after a driver rear-ended a vehicle on the 10 Freeway in El Monte and then fled the scene. The Whittier Daily News reports that the hit-and-run driver whom police are still looking for, was speeding in a 2005 BMW and rear-ended a 1998 International truck the morning of January 3, 2010. Stout, who was the front passenger in the BMW, died from his injuries. The driver of the truck and another passenger in the BMW also sustained injuries.
My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Paul Stout. I offer my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. I also hope the injured victims in this case did not suffer major injuries and will pray for their speedy and complete recovery.
Los Angeles Car Accidents
There were nine fatalities and 527 injuries involving car accidents in El Monte, according to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 712 deaths and 56,475 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in 2007.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident
I sincerely hope this hit-and-run suspect is soon apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime in California and is not acceptable under any circumstance – even if the crash was not the driver's fault. California Vehicle Code section 20001 states: "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."
Liability Issues
It would be in the best interests of injured victims in such car accidents to seek the counsel of a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure the negligent parties are held accountable. Also, where hit-and-run or uninsured/underinsured motorists are involved, a knowledgeable car accident lawyer will be able to advise victims about how a claim may be filed through their own car insurance policy.
We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.
