California Injury Blog
Manuel Ayala, 26, was killed in a hit-and-run crash last week and officials are still searching for leads in his case. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the fatal collision occurred when Ayala was crossing Pacific Coast Highway near Wilmington Boulevard the night of September 16, 2013. Police say security footage shows several cars including a police cruiser passing Ayala as he crossed the roadway. He was hit seconds later.
Ayala’s family members have handed out fliers at the crash site in hopes of finding the driver. According to a witness, two women were in the car that hit Ayala. He was on life support, but was taken off it a few days later. Ayala is survived by a sister, brother, girlfriend and 4-year-old daughter. Witnesses were not able to take down the license plate number, but described the hit-and-run vehicle as a gray sedan with damage to the front windshield.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family members and friends of Manual Ayala. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Crashes
There were 13 fatalities and 298 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian collisions in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Los Angeles County as a whole, 195 people died and 4,535 were injured due to pedestrian crashes during the same year.
Hit-and-Run Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that Ayala was struck while crossing the street and the driver of the vehicle did not even stop to help him to see what happened. Appalling! Leaving the scene of an injury crash is not only inhumane and irresponsible, but also illegal. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) requires drivers to stop and remain at the scene of crash, exchange pertinent information and most importantly, render aid to the injured victims. In this case, the driver did none of the above. Instead, he or she chose to drive away, leaving the victim lying on the street without care or medical attention.
Protecting Victims and Families
If you have any information about this driver or vehicle, please visit our dedicated hit-and-run web site at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and to become eligible for a $1,000 reward.
Families of deceased hit-and-run victims are left facing significant financial burdens including medical expenses, funeral costs and the cost of hospitalization and emergency services. Families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run crash where the driver has not been apprehended, or, in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.