Joshua Madrid, 14, was killed in a Monterey Park car accident involving a hit-and-run driver. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the incident occurred the night of Nov. 18 when the boy was crossing Atlantic Boulevard on his skateboard. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. The vehicle that struck Madrid was last seen driving away on Atlantic Boulevard.
A description of the suspect vehicle was not released by the police. However, investigators released images of two vehicles, which they believe were in the area at the time of the crash. They say one of the vehicles was a white or light-colored minivan and the second was a dark-colored SUV. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this hit-and-run crash is urged to call the Monterey Park Police Department at 626-307-1200.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members of Joshua Madrid for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
California Hit and Run Law
Based on this news report, it appears that Madrid was crossing Atlantic Boulevard when the vehicle struck and fatally injured him. Under California law, vehicles are required to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections. Regardless of who caused the accident, motorists are required to stop and remain at the scene of the crash, under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a). Motorists are required to exchange information with other parties involved and help injured victims obtain medical help. Leaving the scene of an injury crash without rendering aid is a felony crime under the law.
Justice for Victims’ Families
In cases where the hit-and-run driver is not identified or apprehended, injured hit-and-run victims or families, like Joshua’s in Monterey Park, who have lost loved ones in such heartbreaking incidents, are in a very difficult position. Not only are they looking at unforeseen expenses such as medical and funeral costs, but they are also grappling with a lack of justice and/or closure because the driver has not been apprehended or held accountable.
In such cases, an experienced Los Angeles hit and run lawyer can help injured families of victims stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident attorney can also advise victims and their families as to how their own auto insurance policy might apply to an incident where the driver is never found or where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2019/11/21/2-vehicles-witness-fatal-hit-and-run-monterey-park/