California Injury Blog
A 57-year-old woman was killed in a pedestrian accident in Van Nuys. According to a KABC news report, the incident occurred the night of May 29, 2016 in the 16400 block of Victory Boulevard. LAPD officials said the woman was crossing the street when a vehicle struck her. A Good Samaritan stopped and called 911. But, the pedestrian’s injuries were so severe that she died at the scene. The 18-year-old driver of the vehicle that struck the woman fled the scene, but he later turned himself in to authorities. He is facing felony hit-and-run charges. Police are still investigating this fatal pedestrian accident.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of this pedestrian accident victim. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Crash Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 90 fatalities and 2,639 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in the city of Los Angeles. Countywide, 211 died and 4,721 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year. Los Angeles also has the dubious reputation as “the hit-and-run capital of the world.” LAPD officials have said that nearly half of all fatal crashes in the city involve hit-and-run drivers.
Laws and Liability Issues
Officials investigating this case say they are still not sure if the woman was walking inside or outside a crosswalk at the time of the collision. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states that motorists should stop immediately at the scene of a crash and remain at the scene of the crash until authorities arrive. They should do so regardless of whose fault the collision may have been.
Drivers should not only exchange information with other parties involved in the crash, but must render aid to injured victims. This may be something as simple as calling 911. The young driver in this case, even though he fled the scene initially, did the right thing by turning himself in.
We trust officials are looking into whether the driver in this case was speeding, distracted, under the influence or otherwise negligent when the collision occurred. In addition to criminal charges, negligent drivers may also be held liable civilly for the injuries, damages and losses cause. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation. An experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney will be able to advise families in such cases regarding their legal rights and options.