California Injury Blog
Rodney Richard, 22, was killed in a Lancaster hit and run crash early morning on Aug. 4. According to a KTLA news report, the incident occurred at the intersection of Lancaster Boulevard near Elm Avenue. Police said Richard was talking to the occupants of a black sedan parked by the curb when an eastbound full-size white truck, believed to be a Chevrolet or Dodge, struck him. Officials say the truck was traveling in excess of the 15 mph speed limit on that street. The truck’s driver stopped before allegedly speeding away toward Sierra Highway.
Driver Fled the Scene
Witnesses said the driver of the black sedan also left the scene. Richard was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. Surveillance video of the crash shows Richard attempting to get out of way just before being hit by the large truck. Richard’s family members held a candlelight vigil for him at the site and called for the hit-and-run driver to surrender.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help pay for his funeral experiences. Officials are looking for the truck driver and witnesses who were in the black sedan. Anyone with information is asked to contact Los Angeles County Sheriff’s officials at 661-948-8466.
We offer our deepest condolences to Rodney Richard’s family members for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the truck hit Richard and then fled the scene right away as did some of the witnesses who were in the black sedan. Leaving the scene of an injury or fatal crash is a felony crime under California law. California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) requires drivers to stop immediately and remain at the scene of a crash. They are also required under the law to exchange information with other parties involved in the crash and most importantly, provide assistance to the injured parties. This could be something as simple as calling 911 and getting immediate medical attention for the injured.
In addition to the immeasurable grief that comes with the sudden loss of a loved one, family members of hit-and-run victims are also looking for answers and struggling to get that sense of closure. We hope that this hit-and-run driver is apprehended and brought to justice. An experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer may be able to stay abreast of the official investigation and help hit-and-run victims obtain compensation for their tremendous losses whether or not the at-fault driver is apprehended.
Source: https://ktla.com/2018/08/04/man-dies-in-lancaster-hit-and-run-officials-searching-for-driver/