California Injury Blog
A 52-year-old Silver Lake teacher was arrested on suspicion of hitting and severely injuring a bicyclist with her car and then leaving the scene of the crash. The collision that took place on October 25th, on the 3000 block of Berkeley Avenue in Silver Lake left the bicyclist suffering from severe injuries. The victim still remains in the hospital in stable condition a month later after undergoing several surgeries on his arm and leg.
Tips from Public Led to Arrest
The teacher was identified as Molly Jane Hoene. She was taken into custody at a Palm Desert gated community where she had been staying with family members. Hoene was charged with one count of felony hit-and-run causing severe bodily injury, police said. Surveillance video released by LAPD shows a Mini Cooper striking the bicyclist head-on and quickly fleeing the scene. The incident, which was caught on camera, launched a search for the driver and city officials offered a $25,000 reward for information.
A tip led detectives to the car that was believed to have been involved – a blue Mini Cooper found at an auto body shop in Glendale. The car was impounded and searched for forensic evidence. Detectives pieced together the information they received from people Hoene spoke with after the incident. They determined she was the driver. She is being held on $50,000 bail. No further information is available.
We are certainly relieved that the hit-and-run suspect, in this case, has been apprehended. As attorneys who represent injured hit-and-run victims, we fully understand the challenges hit-and-run crashes present for law enforcement officials. We also wish the injured bicyclist the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Laws and Liability Issues
Leaving the scene of an injury accident is a felony crime under California law. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), it is illegal to leave the scene of an injury or fatal crash. In addition, the law requires motorists to exchange pertinent information with other parties involved and most importantly render aid to injured victims. This could be something as simple as calling 911 so the victim is able to get prompt medical attention, which often makes the difference between life and death in such cases.
Injured victims of hit-and-run crashes suffer not only physically as they recover from injuries, but also financially as a result of medical bills that pile up. Injured victims or their families would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles hit and run lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.
Source: https://ktla.com/2019/11/26/teacher-arrested-in-silver-lake-hit-and-run-crash-that-severely-injured-bicyclist/