Man Injured in Los Angeles Car Accident Involving Hit-and-Run Driver
A pedestrian was critically injured in a hit-and-run collision the night of April 17, 2010, ABC News reports. The man, who officials say, was in his 30s, was struck while crossing at the intersection of Victory Boulevard and Willis Avenue in Van Nuys. The driver of the vehicle was eastbound on Victory when the collision occurred. The injured pedestrian lay on the roadway, but the driver did not stop and fled east on Victory. The hit-and-run vehicle is described as a late model white or gray Nissan Xterra.
I sympathize with this injured pedestrian and his family. I wish him the very best for a speedy and full recovery. He and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Hit-and-Run Statistics
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's 2001 hit-and-run statistics, hit-and-run traffic accident deaths in California jumped by 10 percent from 1999 to 2001. Nearly 300 people are killed annually in hit-and-run accidents in California. In 2001, hit-and run accidents accounted for 7.8 percent of the state's fatal crashes. That figure is more than twice the national average of 3.8 percent.
Laws and Liability Issues
Hit-and-run is a serious crime under California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a). A motorist who is involved in an accident must stop at the scene, remain at the scene and administer aid to the injured victim. Motorists involved in car accidents are also required under the law to exchange information such as insurance, license number and contact information. Drivers are required to remain at the scene regardless of who is at fault.
In this case, based on the news report, it also appears that the victim was walking at an intersection. The article does not state whether he was in a crosswalk. Motorists are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians walking in crosswalks or at intersections. California Vehicle Code section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."
Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will provide more information about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run collision or an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
What are the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in your city or neighborhood?
None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.
