Los Angeles Police Look for Hit-and-Run in Major Injury Pedestrian Accident

Police are looking for a hit-and-run driver in connection with a Los Angeles pedestrian accident that left a man critically injured. According to a KTLA news report, the incident occurred the morning of April 20, 2017 as the pedestrian was walking in a marked crosswalk at the intersection of East Sixth Street and Towne Avenue. The man was struck by a dark-colored Cadillac CTS, officials said. The driver did not stop and witnesses watched the vehicle as it continued east on Sixth Street.

Critical Injuries Reported

Within minutes, however, the hit-and-run vehicle returned to the scene and passed the fallen victim. One of the witnesses tried to stop the driver and talk to him, but the driver ignored the person and took off, this time northbound on Stanford Avenue. Another witness followed the suspect vehicle on a motor scooter and managed to get the license plate, which officials say is 5YTE203.

The vehicle was described as a four-door black Cadillac CTS. The victim suffered severe head and body trauma and has been hospitalized in critical condition after undergoing surgery. The driver was only described as an African-American man in his 50s. Anyone with information is asked to contact LAPD at 213-833-3713.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Based on this news report, the Cadillac reportedly struck a pedestrian who was walking in a marked crosswalk at a street intersection, which is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a). In addition, the driver failed to remain at the scene and provide assistance to the injured victim, as the law requires. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.”

Justice for Victims

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is a factor, injured victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Hit-and-run victims not only suffer physically and financially, but also emotionally, particularly in cases where the perpetrator is not identified or apprehended. An experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer will be able to advised injured hit-and-run victims regarding their legal rights and options.