California Injury Blog
Manuel Garcia, 33, was killed in a hit-and-run Los Angeles car accident the night of August 5, 2009, CBS News reports. The pedestrian-car collision occurred near the intersection of Guthrie Avenue and Corning Street in Culver City, California. Police arrested 21-year-old Miguel Martinez. Officials say Martinez fatally struck Garcia and fled the accident scene. Martinez has been arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. Garcia suffered severe head injuries and was declared dead in an area hospital.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Manuel Garcia for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Garcia. Please keep them in your prayers.
Los Angeles Car Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities but 28 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Culver City, California. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 210 fatalities and 5,095 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2007.
I sincerely hope the hit-and-run driver in this case, Miguel Martinez, is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Leaving the scene of a car accident is a serious crime in California. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001(a): “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.”
Motorists in California are required to stop at the scene of the accident and provide identification, car insurance and contact information. In cases where there are injuries, motorists are also required to try and provide assistance to the injured parties. The help may be something as simple as calling 911. Stopping at the scene of a car accident is not only the lawful thing to do, it is also the right thing to do. It’s about taking responsibility.
Consulting a Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer
Manuel Garcia’s family would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will help hold the negligent parties responsible in this case. If Martinez does not have car insurance or sufficient coverage, Garcia’s family may be able to seek compensation under the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of Garcia’s car insurance policy. A knowledgeable Los Angeles car accident lawyer will also be able advise the family on whether they have a wrongful death claim against the negligent party–be it Martinez or any other person or entity that may have caused or contributed to this fatal car accident.