4-year-old Boy Seriously Injured in Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident
A 4-year-old boy was hospitalized with serious injuries in a South Los Angeles pedestrian accident. According to an NBC news report, the major injury crash occurred at the intersection of Figueroa and 43rd streets. Police say the boy was walking with his 8-year-old sister in a marked crosswalk when he was hit by a tan or beige Dodge minivan.
The driver slowed down, but drove away without stopping to identify himself or render aid to the injured child. Paramedics rushed the boy to the hospital where he has been listed in serious condition. Anyone who has witnessed this crash is asked to call police at 323-421-2500. Officials are offering a $50,000 reward to anyone who offers a tip that leads to the arrest and conviction of the hit-and-run driver.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the toddler who has been seriously injured in this pedestrian accident. We wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 90 fatalities and 2,639 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles. During the same year, 211 people died and 4,721 were injured due to pedestrian accidents countywide.
Violation of Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver failed to stop for the children who were walking in a marked crosswalk at an intersection. California Vehicle Code section 21950 states: “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.”
The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk “shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.” In this case, the driver also violated California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) by failing to stop or remain at the scene after a car accident.
Liability Issues
In such cases, injured victims or their families would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. At-fault motorists can be held liable for injuries and damages caused.
However, when the hit-and-run driver hasn’t been apprehended or identified, victims may still be able to seek compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of their auto insurance policies. A knowledgeable Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer can help victims or families better understand how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run crash where the driver has not been identified or in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.