Anthony Medina, 22, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say, involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a KABC news report, the hit-and-run car accident occurred on Olympic Boulevard in East Los Angeles, the night of December 15, 2011. Medina was crossing the road when a 2008-2010 blue Subaru Impreza struck and fatally injured him. The family and the authorities are now requesting information regarding the whereabouts of the driver. A video of the crash has been posted online to get tips from viewers who recognize the vehicle.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Anthony Medina for their terrible loss. My heart goes out to his family members who are grappling with many questions here, especially with the driver still at large. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Los Angeles Pedestrian Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 82 people were killed and 2,630 were injured in pedestrian accidents in the city of Los Angeles. Countywide, there were 179 fatalities and 4,918 injuries reported due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.
Leaving the Scene of the Crash
Based on this news report, the driver of the Impreza slowed down before speeding off and leaving the victim to die on the roadway. Appalling! Not only is it inhumane and irresponsible to leave an injured victim lying on the roadway, but it is also illegal under California law. California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) 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.”
Holding Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable
I certainly hope officials are able to quickly apprehend this driver and bring him or her to justice.
The family of a deceased hit-and-run car accident victim would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident attorney will better inform families in such cases about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the suspect is not found, or, in a crash where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.