California Injury Blog
Police in Arcadia are looking for the driver of a Mercedes-Benz, who they say, struck and critically injured 72-year-old Roop Garg. According to a news report in The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the incident took place the morning of August 11, 2016 in the 600 block of West Camino Real Avenue, just east of Baldwin Avenue. Police say Mercedes was going west on Camino Real Avenue when it struck the pedestrian walking west on the street. The pedestrian, Garg, suffered critical injuries.
The driver briefly stopped his car near the intersection, got out of the vehicle and walked around his vehicle. But he got back in and fled south on Baldwin Avenue. Witnesses described the hit-and-run vehicle as a white, newer-model Mercedes-Benz with paper license plates. The driver was described as an Asian man about 70 years old with gray hair, clean-shaven, wearing a short-sleeved shirt and slacks. Anyone with information is asked to contact Arcadia police at 626-574-5156.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured pedestrian who is apparently fighting for his life. We wish him the very best for a quick and full recovery.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Mercedes not only struck and seriously injured the pedestrian, but left him lying on the roadway without offering any type of assistance. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), motorists are required to stop immediately and remain at the scene of a crash.
They are also required to exchange pertinent information with other parties involved in the incident and most importantly, render aid to injured victims. In these types of incidents, a simple 911 call could make the difference between life and death for injured victims who need medical attention right away.
Justice for Hit-and-Run Victims
In a hit-and-run accident, it is the victim and his family who suffer the most. They don’t know who was responsible and they are stuck with mounting medical expenses and other associated costs and losses. The effects are not only physical, but also emotional and financial.
Injured victims would be well advised in such cases to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of their investigation and help protect their rights. A knowledgeable attorney will be able to advise them about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run case where the driver hasn’t been identified, or in a case where the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured.