Two bicyclists were struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver the night of Jan. 4 in Chatsworth.
According to a KABC news report, the fatal bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of Plummer Street and Lurline Avenue. LAPD officials said the driver of a red Toyota truck hit a man and a woman who were riding their bikes in the area. The bicyclists were pronounced dead at the scene.
Ongoing Investigation
The driver attempted to flee the scene after striking the bicyclists but crashed into a wall less than a mile away from where he struck the bicyclists. Witnesses said he struck several other vehicles before the crash and appeared to be driving erratically. The suspect was taken into custody by police and is expected to face murder charges. The investigation is ongoing.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family members of the deceased victims. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Based on this news report, the driver was not only operating the vehicle erratically but also left the scene of a crash where two people had died. Leaving the scene of an injury or fatal crash is against California law. California Vehicle Code 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.”
In addition, motorists must also exchange pertinent information with other parties (driver’s license, insurance details, contact information, etc.) and most importantly render aid to the injured victims so they receive prompt medical care, which in these cases, could make the difference between life and death.
Families that have lost a loved one in a hit-and-run crash would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles hit-and-run lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable accident attorney will also be able to advise victims or their families about how their own car insurance policy might apply to an incident where the driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: https://abc7.com/chatsworth-hit-and-run-two-bicyclists-killed-knapp-street-independence-avenue/11426670/