California Injury Blog
There have been a series of three hit-and-run crashes in the Jefferson Park area of Los Angeles over the last two weeks, including one that proved fatal.
According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, an LAPD South Traffic detective released video and details of all three crashes in the hopes that the public can help identify the drivers.
Series of Hit-and-Run Crashes
Officials said the first crash occurred on Jan. 5 when a silver, mid-size SUV struck 46-year-old Nallely Oregel as she walked her dog on 4th Avenue and 30th Street. Two days later, a speeding gray compact hit 25-year-old Giovanny Castro as he was riding a scooter on Western Avenue at 29th Street. And on Jan. 11, Luis Alberto Martinez was struck by a maroon Chevy Trailblazer as he walked on Jefferson Boulevard just east of 11th Avenue throwing him onto a parked vehicle.
Martinez suffered massive head trauma and later died from his injuries. Officials are offering a $50,000 reward for information on the hit-and-run that killed Martinez, and $25,000 rewards in the other two injury crashes. Anyone with information is urged to contact LAPD officials at 323-421-2500.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family members of Luis Alberto Martinez for their tragic loss. We wish the two other injured victims – Giovanny Castro and Nallely Oregel – the very best for a quick and full recovery.
Laws and Liability Issues
It is against California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) to leave the scene of an injury or fatal crash. Motorists are required under this law to stop immediately after the crash, remain at the scene until officials arrive at the scene, exchange information with other parties involved in the crash, and obtain help for the injured victims. This might be something as simple as calling 911 so victims can get the medical attention they urgently need.
In hit-and-run crashes, in addition to physical pain and grief, victims and families are left with unforeseen expenses such as funeral costs and medical bills. Injured victims and families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles hit and run lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure their legal rights and best interests are protected.
A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims and their families about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a case where a driver is never apprehended or in a situation where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2022/01/20/1-killed-2-severely-injured-separate-jefferson-park-hit-and-run-crashes-2-weeks/