Four people suffered critical injuries in a hit-and-run crash near USC’s campus in South Los Angeles. According to a City News Service report, the two-vehicle crash occurred a little after midnight on January 20, 2017 on Jefferson Boulevard near Orchard Avenue. Both vehicles were traveling west on Jefferson when they collided. One driver lost control and hit and tree while the other also lost control and hit several parked cars before coming to a stop.
The driver of the vehicle that struck the tree fled on foot. He is wanted by police on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. The four occupants of the other vehicle were also transported to the hospital in critical condition. Police are still looking into why the two vehicles collided. It is not known whether anyone in either of the vehicles was a USC student.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims. We wish them the very best for a quick and full recovery.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Based on this news report, it appears that the two vehicles were traveling in the same direction. But investigators are not clear how or why they collided. There are still several unanswered questions here. Did alcohol or drugs play a part in this crash? Was one of the vehicles traveling at an excessive rate of speed? Were the vehicles involved in street racing?
Regardless of why or how this crash occurred, the law requires motorists to remain at the scene of the crash. Drivers are required under the law to stop immediately and wait for the authorities to arrive. They are also required to exchange pertinent information with other parties involved and most importantly, get help for the injured parties. California Vehicle Code 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.”
Justice for Victims
Injured victims of hit-and-run crashes have legal rights. In such cases, they can seek compensation for losses including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. At-fault parties in such cases can be held liable for the damages and losses they cause victims. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can also advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run crash or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or under-insured.