A 59-year-old man was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after a car hit him early morning March 29, 2010, in downtown Los Angeles. According to an article in the Los Angeles Daily News, the man was walking across Alameda Street, near East 8th Street, when he was struck. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver fled the scene of the crash. The suspect hit-and-run vehicle has been described as a dark sedan, possibly a Nissan, with front-end collision damage.
My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this accident victim for their untimely and devastating loss. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were 104 fatalities and 2,716 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles. Countywide, pedestrian accidents claimed 214 lives and injured 4,985 people in 2008.
Hit-and-Run Laws
Hit-and-run or leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "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."
Any driver who is involved in a collision is required by law to stop and wait for authorities to arrive. Motorists must also exchange information including driver's license, insurance information and contact information with other parties. If anyone has been hurt, it is incumbent on the motorist to get help for that individual. It may be as simple as calling 911 and informing authorities so that the injured individual can get the assistance he or she needs.
An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help
In such cases, injured victims and their families would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will advise them of their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer should also advise families about how their insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run collision or in an incident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
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.
