LAPD officials are looking for the driver of a big rig that struck a bicyclist on a sidewalk in Boyle Heights leaving the victim hospitalized for days in an intensive care unit. According to a KTLA news report, the LAPD released photos of the white semi-truck authorities say was involved in the collision, describing it as possibly a 2015 Freightliner Columbia 120.
Major Injuries Sustained
On March 9, the big rig was entering a commercial fueling station when it struck a bicyclist who was riding on the north sidewalk of Olympic Boulevard in an area just east of Boyle Avenue. While the driver stopped briefly, he did not identify himself or offer to help the victim, police said. The crash left the 30-year-old bicyclist with multiple fractures and internal injuries.
Paramedics took him to a nearby hospital where he was hospitalized for several days before being released and he’s still “slowly recovering,” the department said in a news release. Police have released few details on a description of the big rig’s driver, only describing him as a man in his 30s who is “possibly” Hispanic. Anyone with information can reach LAPD at 213-833-3713.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured bicyclist. We wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the large truck may have been negligent by not noticing the bicyclist who was on the sidewalk. It is apparent he knew he’d hit and injured the bicyclist because he stopped briefly. However, California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) requires motorists involved in accidents to identify themselves to other parties involved and get injured victims the help they need. In this case, the truck driver left the scene without doing so.
In such cases, both the driver and his employer can be held liable for the bicyclist’s injuries. Injured victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles hit and run lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy might help compensate in cases where the driver has not been identified or where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/lapd-searching-for-semi-truck-driver-in-boyle-heights-hit-and-run-that-left-bicyclist-hospitalized/