California Injury Blog
A motorcyclist was fatally injured in an Arcadia car accident, which officials say, involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the fatal crash occurred the night of May 7, 2013 in the 200 block of West Foothill Boulevard. Police say the motorcycle was struck by a blue Mitsubishi. The motorcyclist was thrown off his bike and suffered internal injuries and head trauma. He was transported to an area hospital where he died. The driver of the Mitsubishi, possibly a Lancer, fled the scene. There is no driver description available, but officials say the electric blue Mitsubishi sustained damage to the passenger side including a missing side mirror. Anyone with information is asked to call Arcadia police at 626-574-5151.
Crash Statistics
There were no fatalities, but eight injuries involving motorcycle collisions in the city of Arcadia, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Los Angeles County as a whole, 74 people died and 2,637 were injured due to motorcycle accidents in 2010. During the same year, 147 deaths and 19,009 injuries were reported as a result of hit-and-run car accidents statewide.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Based on this news report, it is unclear as to whose fault the accident was. However, California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) requires motorists to stop immediately and remain at the scene of a crash, regardless of who was at fault. Motorists are also required to exchange information with the other parties and most importantly, get help for the injured victims. It could be something as simple as picking up a cell phone and calling 911. In this case, the driver of the Mitsubishi simple drove away leaving the critically injured motorist lying on the roadway. Outrageous!
Holding Hit-and-Run Drivers Responsible
I trust officials will apprehend the suspect and bring him or her to justice. If you have any information about this hit and run crash, please visit our web site at www.hitandrunreward.com. Our site allows witnesses to provide an anonymous tip and also become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward. This is our way of working with law enforcement officials and the community to help nab hit-and-run drivers and hold them accountable.
Families of deceased victims in such cases would be well advised to contact a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to inform families about how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run crash or in a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.