California Injury Blog
Police officers in Long Beach are looking for a hit-and-run driver who they say fatally struck and dragged a pedestrian in the Long Beach Promenade area on the evening of Dec. 27.
According to a KTLA news report, the incident occurred just before 5:30 p.m. near the intersection of 4th Street and Pine Avenue. Officers who arrived at the scene found the victim and rendered first aid until Long Beach fire officials responded. The unidentified woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators determined that that the woman had been struck by a red pickup truck in the area of 4th Street and The Promenade and was dragged westbound on 4th Street until she became dislodged from the vehicle. She was then struck by a Chevy Camaro and dragged into Pine Avenue. Investigators said the driver of the Camaro remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.
That driver had a valid driver’s license and was not suspected of being under the influence, police said. The vehicle that had initially struck the victim was last seen heading south on Pine Avenue from 4th Street. No suspect or vehicle description is available. Anyone with information is asked to contact Long Beach police detectives at 562-570-7355.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased pedestrian for their tragic and heartbreaking 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 vehicle that initially struck the pedestrian fled the scene of a major injury/fatal crash, which is a felony 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.”
In such cases, family members of deceased victims would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced Long Beach hit and run lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a case where the hit-and-run driver is not found or where that at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/pedestrian-dies-after-being-dragged-by-hit-and-run-driver-in-long-beach-promenade-area/