California Injury Blog
Los Angeles police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the vehicle and driver who they say is responsible for the death of 23-year-old Kevin Zaldana-Calderon who was struck and killed in the Harvard Heights area of the city.
According to a KTLA news report, the crash was reported the night of Nov. 26 near the intersection of Harvard and Venice boulevards.
Hit-and-Run Investigation
Police said Zaldana-Calderon was crossing southbound on Harvard Boulevard at Venice Boulevard in a marked crosswalk when he was struck by a dark-colored, 2014-2019 BMW sedan going east on Venice. The pedestrian was severely injured and pronounced dead at the scene. LAPD West Traffic detectives urged anyone with information regarding the crash to call them at 213-473-0234. The investigation is ongoing.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of Kevin Zaldana-Calderon for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Violation of Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that the pedestrian was walking in a marked crosswalk when the driver not only struck him and severely injured him but also left him lying in the roadway, exposed to further danger and without any assistance. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a), motorists are required to come to a full stop at a crosswalk, yield the right of way to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks and proceed only when it is safe to do so.
Also, California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) states that it is illegal to leave the scene of a fatal or serious injury crash. Motorists have a responsibility to remain at the scene, exchange pertinent information, and render aid to the injured victim.
Justice for Victims and Families
In such cases, families of deceased victims are not only faced with the grief and pain of losing a loved one but also the emotional trauma of not being able to hold an at-fault party accountable for their actions because the driver may not have been identified or apprehended.
It would be in their best interest to contact an experienced Los Angeles hit-and-run lawyer who will remain on top of the official investigation and make sure their legal rights are preserved. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run crash or in a collision where the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/23-year-old-man-struck-killed-in-harvard-heights-hit-and-run-lapd/