California Injury Blog
Authorities in Lakewood are looking for a hit-and-run driver who they say struck and fatally injured 67-year-old Teresa Hernandez as she was walking to a hospital.
According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the fatal accident occurred the night of September 2, 2014 in the 3700 block of South Street.
Hernandez and her adult daughter were walking across South Street toward Lakewood Regional Hospital when
the vehicle hit her. Officials said they were not in a crosswalk at the time. Hernandez was declared dead at the scene. Her daughter was uninjured.
The vehicle that struck Hernandez left the scene. The suspect vehicle is described as a compact black Nissan or Honda, which likely has front-end damage. Neighbors say that portion of the street is dangerous for pedestrians because it does not have a crosswalk.
Community members say they have been asking the city to put a crosswalk at the location where this crash occurred. But so far, the city has not taken any action.
Anyone with information about this hit-and-run crash is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department at (562) 623-3500.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family members and friends of Teresa Hernandez for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
There were no fatalities, but 22 injuries in Lakewood involving pedestrians in 2011, according to California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). During the same year, countywide, 173 people died and 4,575 were injured due to pedestrian accidents.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the vehicle that hit Hernandez did not even stop to help an elderly woman. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), motorists must stop and remain at the scene of the accident, regardless of whose fault the accident was.
In this particular case, the driver should have stopped, exchanged pertinent information and most importantly rendered aid to the victim. But the driver sped away without doing any of the above. Outrageous!
Holding Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable
We certainly hope that the driver involved in this fatal crash is apprehended and held accountable. If you have any information about this incident, please visit our Hit-and-Run Reward website at hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and to become eligible for a $1,000 reward.
Anyone who has lost a loved one in a hit-and-run crash 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 attorney will also be able to advise victims or families about how their own auto insurance policy might apply when the hit-and-run driver has not been found or when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.