A teenager was injured in a Los Angeles motorcycle accident after he was struck by a motorcyclist while walking on the street in an unincorporated area near Covina, California. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the 14-year-old boy was walking on Glendora Avenue the evening of November 12, 2009 near Arrow Highway when he was hit by the motorcycle. The teen sustained leg injuries and was taken to an area hospital. No one else was injured. However, the motorcyclist did not stop at the scene of the accident, but instead sped away at 50 to 70 mph, California Highway Patrol officials said. Witnesses are only able to describe the motorcycle as black and no description of the rider is available.
I’m relieved that this teenager was not more seriously hurt as a result of this hit-and-run accident. The article states that he suffered a broken ankle. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery from his injuries.
Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles
There were 15 deaths and 363 injuries involving pedestrian accidents reported in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles in 2007, according California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 210 deaths and 5,095 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2007.
California law requires motorists to stop at the scene of an accident – whether or not the accident was their fault. This law, of course, applies to motorcycle riders. In this case, the motorcyclist would have done the right thing by stopping at the scene, getting the boy medical aid and exchanging insurance and other important information with the boy’s family. Instead, in a despicable act, he chose to flee the accident scene at a high rate of speed. He could’ve injured someone else in the process of getting out of there! I hope officials find this hit-and-run motorcycle rider and hold him criminally accountable for his actions.
Liability Issues Involving a Negligent Driver
Based on this report, we don’t know exactly where the boy and his friends were walking. But if the motorcyclist had been driving negligently or recklessly and had struck and injured the boy as a result of his negligent operation of the motorcycle, he could be held liable for the boy’s injuries. In such cases, victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other related expenses. A knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer would be able to better explain to victims and their families, their legal rights in such accident cases.
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.