Justice Still Eludes Family of Hit-and-Run Victim
Michael Strom, 26, was killed in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident when he was crossing at the intersection of Slauson and Western avenues in Los Angeles the night of Oct. 22. But, according to KATU News, the man who struck and fatally injured Strom, an Oregon resident, is still at large. Now, the family is pleading for justice, and asking the driver to turn himself in. And LAPD is offering a $50,000 reward to anyone who can offer information leading to the arrest and conviction of this hit-and-run driver.
Heartbreaking Pedestrian Accident
Becky Strom, Michael’s mother, says her son was left for dead for more than a week before she and her family members were told what happened. Michael Strom lived in Salem, Oregon, with his wife. After he was struck, the driver left the scene without stopping to help Michael, who flew through the air and struck the pavement. His mother says he fractured almost every bone in his body. The crash left Michael brain dead and hooked on to a machine as he has suffered severe internal injuries as well.
Since he had no ID on him, it took police more than a week to inform his family. Doctors took Michael off the machine because he was “legally dead.” Police have little information on the hit-and-run driver. Just that he was male and possibly drove a newer model, medium to dark Jeep Cherokee.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Strom family. We hope the hit-and-run driver is apprehended, and that this family gets the justice they deserve.
Justice for Hit-and-Run Victims
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of a hit-and-run case is the inability of law enforcement to apprehend the suspects. This often occurs in cases when there are no sufficient eyewitnesses, often in incidents that occur late at night when no one saw the collision take place. In these cases, there is a very sketchy description of the suspect and the vehicle. This is where law enforcement officials count on members on the public to provide them with tips. Hit-and-run cases that do get solved usually are helped by people who saw the crash, sometimes friends or family members of the suspect or even auto mechanics who smell something fishy when they get a banged-up vehicle to repair.
As for hit-and-run victims and their families, they are left with severe financial burdens, but no one to hold accountable. It can be emotionally devastating as well. Families of deceased victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney who has successfully handled hit-and-run cases. Such lawyers can advise them regarding how to obtain compensation in cases where drivers have not been identified or arrested. Compensation could be valuable when it comes to paying off medical bills or meeting other unforeseen expenses such as funeral and burial costs.
http://katu.com/news/local/family-of-salem-man-killed-in-hit-and-run-in-los-angeles-pleads-for-justice