A bicyclist who was killed in a Los Angeles car accident the morning of February 15, 2010, has been identified by local authorities as 40-year-old Ovidio Morales. KTLA News reports that Morales was hit near the intersection of Compton Boulevard and Dwight Avenue by a driver who was possibly distracted by a cell phone. Those who witnessed the accident told police that the driver while talking on the cell phone, ran a red light, struck the victim, quickly examined the victim and drove away from the scene. Police are now looking for this hit-and-run driver. The vehicle they are looking for is a 1990s silver or gray Ford passenger van, likely an Aerostar. If you have information, please contact 310-605-6500.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Ovidio Morales for whom this must be a devastating loss. I offer my deepest condolences to his family. Please keep them in your prayers.
Bicycle Accidents
There were no fatalities, but 34 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Compton, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 114 deaths and 2,934 injuries were reported as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident
It is against California law to leave the scene of an accident. 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.” I hope this driver is apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Had Morales received medical attention right away, he may have survived his injuries and his five children would still have a father.
Liability Issues
Morales’ family would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to advise the family about how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run accident or to an incident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver.
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.