California Injury Blog
A driver has been arrested in connection with an Echo Park hit-and-run crash, which left 61-year-old Rosa Garcia dead. According to a KTLA.com, 39-year-old Ilya Foks was booked on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter after officers spotted him on Sepulveda Boulevard in Westchester. Investigators believe Foks was behind the wheel of a BMW sedan that collided with Garcia’s car, veering into the wrong lane of traffic on Sunset Boulevard the morning of Jan. 23.
Fatal Hit and Run Crash
The 2019 BMW M4 was headed west when it slammed head-on into Garcia’s 2004 Toyota Corolla in the eastbound lanes near Douglas Street. Emergency personnel transported Garcia to a nearby hospital where she later died. Police say Foks left the scene on foot without stopping to render aid.
The LAPD released cellphone video from a bystander that shows the man identified as Foks repeatedly looking over his shoulder while walking away, carrying a bag. The people recording the video from their vehicle can be heard saying” “Where are you going, man?” and “Don’t run, man.”
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of Rosa Garcia for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the BMW collided with Garcia’s vehicle and then fled the scene on foot without stopping to render aid to the severely injured victim. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), it is illegal to leave the scene of an injury or fatal crash. Motorists are required to stop right away at the scene of the crash, wait for officials to arrive and most importantly get medical help for the injured victim or victims. This could be something as simple as calling 911. Getting medical help can make the difference between life and death for crash victims.
In such cases, the at-fault drivers can be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities and pain and suffering. Families of deceased hit and run victims may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages. An experienced Los Angeles hit and lawyer will be able to stay on top of the official investigation and help protect their legal rights and options.
Source: https://ktla.com/2020/01/28/bmw-driver-arrested-in-echo-park-hit-and-run-that-left-61-year-old-woman-dead-lapd/