LAPD officials have doubled the reward for information in the search for a hit-and-run driver who they say fled after striking and fatally injuring 76-year-old Kuen Ham. According to a KTLA news report, Ham was crossing Miramar Street early morning on Nov. 23 when the driver of a Toyota Corolla making a left turn from Union Avenue struck her. Ham was knocked down and dragged about 15 feet before being dislodged.
Ongoing Investigation
She was transported to a local hospital where she died from her injuries that same evening. The driver never stopped to help the victim or wait for the authorities to arrive, police said. LAPD released a surveillance video showing the vehicle involved traveling the area. The Corolla was described as a tan, four-door vehicle with the model year between 2000 and 2010. Police initially announced a $25,000 reward for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver but increased it to $50,000. The investigation is ongoing.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of Kuen Ham for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
It is against California law to leave the scene of an injury or fatal crash. In fact, doing so can be prosecuted as a felony crime. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), motorists are required to stop immediately at the scene of a crash and remain at the scene until the authorities arrive.
They are also required to exchange information with other parties involved in the collision and most importantly, render aid to the injured victims. This might be something as simple as calling 911, which could make the difference between life and death for the injured victim.
Justice for Victims and Families
If you have lost a loved one in a hit-and-run crash, we understand that you are going through not just the emotional trauma of losing a loved one, but also the financial burden of meeting medical expenses and facing funeral costs. It is important that families of victims in such cases, contact an experienced Los Angeles hit and run lawyer who will stay abreast of the investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.
A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims and families about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a case where the hit-and-run driver has not been apprehended or where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/grandmother-dies-in-westlake-hit-and-run-crash-50k-reward-offered-as-search-for-driver-continues/