California Injury Blog
Carlos Cuellar, 54, was critically injured in a pedestrian accident near downtown Los Angeles, which officials say, involved a hit-and-run driver.
According to a KTLA news report, the major injury collision occurred the night of November 17, 2014 on Central Avenue just south of 23rd Street.
LAPD officials say the driver failed to
stop and left the pedestrian lying in the roadway in “extreme critical condition.”
Officials are looking for a black, four-door older model Honda Accord, which did not stop and sped away from the scene. No driver description is available. Cuellar was transported to a local hospital with severe head and body trauma. He has been listed in critical condition.
Anyone with information is asked to contact LAPD Central Traffic Division detectives at 213-833-3713.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured victim of this hit-and-run crash. We wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Collisions
Recently, Los Angeles has been referred to as the “hit-and-run capital” of the world – and for good reason. According to a 2012 report by the AAA Foundation of Traffic Safety, the number of hit-and-run accidents in Los Angeles is four times higher than the national average, with one in five fatal crashes involving an unlicensed driver.
The report states unlicensed drivers are five times more likely to kill, that they will flee the scene over 50 percent of the time and that they are five times more likely to drive under the influence.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), it is illegal to leave the scene of a crash where someone has been injured or killed. In this particular case, based on the report, the driver left the scene without even stopping to check on the critically wounded pedestrian. Outrageous!
If you have any information about this hit-and-run driver, please visit our dedicated Hit-and-Run Reward web site at hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and to become eligible for a $1,000 reward.
Holding Wrongdoers Accountable
Injured victims of hit-and-run collisions and families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help protect their legal rights and best interests.
A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their auto insurance policy might apply to an incident where the driver is not identified or in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.