California Injury Blog
Pamela Smith, 59, was killed in a hit and run crash in South Los Angeles and officials are announcing a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver. According to a KTLA news report, the crash occurred the night of June 10 at the intersection of Manchester Avenue and Cimarron Street.
Police said a light, possibly silver, Jeep Commander was westbound on Manchester Avenue when it crashed into a pedestrian who was walking north in an unmarked crosswalk. The driver did not stop after the crash. Los Angeles Fire Department officials responded and took the victim to an area hospital where she later died. Anyone with information is urged to call 213-822-6005 or 323-421-2500.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family members of Pamela Smith for their terrible loss. We offer our deepest condolences to them.
LA Hit and Run Crashes
Los Angeles has gained notoriety as the nation’s “hit-and-run” capital. According to recent reports in the Daily News, a vast majority of hit-and-run crashes in the city of Los Angeles go unsolved. In 2017, police identified a suspect or solved only 8 percent of all reported hit and runs in the city. Of those, prosecutors filed charged in 73 percent of the cases. In 2016, only 12 percent of all reported hit and runs were solved. Of those, prosecutors filed charges in 63 percent of them.
The law says that drivers should stop immediately and remain at the scene of an injury or fatal crash. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), motorists must exchange pertinent information with other parties involved in the crash and more importantly, render aid to the injured victim. In this particular case, the driver not only plowed into a pedestrian who was walking in an unmarked crosswalk failing to yield the right of way, but left her severely injured and lying in the roadway, exposed to further danger.
Justice for Victims and Families
In such cases, families of deceased victims may be able to seek compensation for their terrible losses, regardless of whether the driver is identified or arrested. An experienced Los Angeles hit and run lawyer will be able to guide victims and provide them with more information about how they may be able to seek compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of their own insurance policies. In some cases where a dangerous roadway condition is involved, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway may also be held financially responsible.
Source: https://ktla.com/2019/06/21/woman-killed-in-south-l-a-hit-and-run-crash/