A woman was seriously injured in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a City News Service report, the injury pedestrian collision occurred near the intersection of McKinley Avenue and 54th Street, the early morning of October 16, 2011. Officials found the victim inside a 2002 Ford Mustang, suffering from traumatic injuries.
The Ford appeared to have been in a traffic collision. The woman, who is said to be in her 20s, was transported to local hospital where she is listed in serious condition. Investigators say the woman was driving the Ford Mustang south on McKinley, when a 2001 Chevy Tahoe, heading westbound on 54th Street, struck it. The driver of the Tahoe fled the scene. Officials are asking anyone with information about the accident or the suspect to contact LAPD at 213-972-1853.
My heart goes out to this seriously injured hit-and-run accident victim. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Los Angeles Car Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 227 fatalities and 25,043 injuries occurred involving car accidents in Los Angeles. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 554 people died and 50,817 were injured as a result of car accidents, during the same year.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Chevy Tahoe was involved in an accident with the victim’s vehicle and then fled without even stopping to help the injured woman. Unconscionable! Leaving the scene of an injury car accident is not only an inhumane and irresponsible act, but it is also illegal.
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 Wrongdoers Accountable
If you witnessed this accident or have information about the suspect or the vehicle, please visit our dedicated hit-and-run web site at www.hitandrunreward.com, where you can offer an anonymous tip and become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward. This web site is part of our initiative to join hands with the community and local law enforcement, and help apprehend hit-and-run drivers.
Victims of hit-and-run accidents would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also inform victims and their families about how their own car insurance policy applies to an incident where the hit-and-run driver has not been identified, or, in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured