California Injury Blog
Randall “Randy” Phillips, a retired police officer, was killed September 12, 2009 in a Los Angeles car accident on the 60 Freeway in Pomona that officials say was caused by a wrong way driver. Phillips was riding his motorcycle west on the 60 and on the connector road to the northbound 71 when he was hit head-on by a car driving the wrong way. Phillips was killed instantly. The driver then fled the scene of the crash. Officials discovered the hit-and-run vehicle abandoned, on a nearby surface street. If you saw this accident or have more information, please call California Highway Patrol’s Santa Fe Springs Station at (562) 868-0503.
My heart goes out to family and friends of Randy Phillips for their terrible loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved this man. Apparently, Phillips had honorably served as an officer in the Azusa Police Department for nearly 30 years. He retired on his 50th birthday in 2004. This is indeed, a tragic and awful end for an upstanding member of his community.
Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 19 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Pomona, California. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 85 fatalities and 2,792 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in 2007.
I sincerely hope that the hit-and-run driver in this case is apprehended and brought to justice. The driver here, not only broke the law by driving the wrong way, but also by fleeing the scene of the accident after he/she had struck and killed Phillips. Despicable!
California Car Accident Law
There is no question that the suspect will face serious legal consequences. Hit-and-run is a serious crime in California. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: “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.”
Phillips’ family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the criminal investigation, make sure the family’s rights are protected and that they receive just compensation for the damages and loss they have suffered. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims may be able to receive compensation to cover funeral or medical expenses, loss of earnings, loss of companionship and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free initial consultation to accident victims and their families.
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our source for the facts is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, please contact us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. Most of the best law firms will provide accident victims a free consultation.
We cannot fully inform any party or family member about their rights, options or the economic viability of any claim for compensation without a full investigation and consultation. We will not be conducting an investigation into this matter unless we are retained by a party. We will provide a free, confidential consultation to any, not at fault, person named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.