California Injury Blog
A pedestrian was fatally struck in a Hollywood hit-and-run accident, according to CBS and NBC news reports. Police say a pedestrian was crossing the street at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Normandie Avenue early morning on October 25, 2013 when he was struck. A witness said the driver fled the scene, but was involved in a second crash near Santa Monica Boulevard and Edgemont Street, about four blocks from the site of the first crash.
The driver of the sedan collided with a parked vehicle and then ran on Edgemont Street for about two blocks with blood on his hands and his cell phone. The witness said he physically “dragged” the driver back to the corner and waited for a police officer to arrive. The driver was arrested. It is not clear if charges have been filed.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family members and friends of the deceased victim for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 100 fatalities and 2,512 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in the city of Los Angeles. Countywide, 195 people died and 4,535 were injured due to pedestrian collisions during the same year.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the sedan struck and fatally injured the victim and then drove away from the scene without even stopping to help the critically injured victim. In this particular case, I’m relieved that the driver was apprehended, thanks to the heroic actions of the person who witnessed the collision and decided to hold him until officers arrived.
Not only is leaving the scene of an injury accident inhumane and irresponsible, but it is also illegal. 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.”
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
Families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims’ families about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run crash or in an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.