California Injury Blog
One man was killed and five others including two children were injured in an early morning car accident on November 26, 2017. According to a KTLA news report, the fatal car accident occurred near the 57 and 60 freeway interchange. California Highway Patrol officials said at least three vehicles were involved in the collision and that the driver of a dark-colored Honda CRV abandoned his car on the freeway and fled on foot. That person was seen speeding and driving erratically as short time before this collision, officials said.
The other vehicles involved were a Chevy Malibu carrying two adults, a young child and a 1-year-old. One of the adults, a man, was killed while the other adult and children were transported to area hospitals. The baby was said to be in critical condition. Two other adults in a pickup truck were also injured and transported for treatment. CHP is investigating the incident.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has been affected by this devastating car accident. Our heartfelt condolences go out to those who have lost loved ones.
Crash Statistics
According to CHP’s 2014 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 363 injuries reported as a result of traffic accidents in the city of Diamond Bar. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 606 people died and 51,988 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver who caused this fatal accident was speeding and driving erratically right before causing the crash. In addition, the driver abandoned his vehicle on the freeway and fled the scene of the crash on foot. It appears that he may still be at large.
Leaving the scene of an injury or fatal car accident is a felony crime under California law. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: “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.”
Justice for Victims
In such cases, in addition to facing criminal charges, at-fault drivers can also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Families of deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking compensation for damages such as medical and funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship. A knowledgeable Los Angeles car accident lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run where the driver hasn’t been apprehended or in a car accident case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: http://ktla.com/2017/11/26/1-dead-5-others-injured-following-hit-and-run-crash-on-60-freeway-in-diamond-bar/