Man Killed in Highland Park Hit and Run Crash
A 70-year-old man was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Highland Park after he was struck and dragged by a driver who left the scene. According to a KTLA news report, the incident occurred at the corner of York Boulevard and Avenue 54 early morning on October 24, 2017. The victim was walking in a marked crosswalk when a Chevy Trailblazer struck and dragged him.
The driver apparently stopped and parked near the scene briefly, but eventually drove off without rendering aid. The victim was transported to an area hospital in critical condition and died from his injuries. Investigators interviewed witnesses and looked for surveillance video that led to a “person of interest” being detained. The investigation is still ongoing.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members and friends of this deceased pedestrian. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
LA Hit-and-Run Crashes
Los Angeles is notorious for hit-and-run collisions. It has the dubious distinction of being the “hit-and-run capital of the world.” According to NBC’s analysis of California Highway Patrol’s data, there were more than 28,000 reported hit-and-run crashes in Los Angeles County in 2015. In fact, half of all traffic accidents in Los Angeles County involve hit-and-run collisions. The national average is 11 percent, according to the American Automobile Association.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Chevy Trailblazer struck and critically injured the pedestrian, and then left him on the roadway exposed to further danger. It also appears that the SUV struck the pedestrian who was walking in a marked crosswalk, which is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a). Leaving the scene of an injury or fatal crash is a felony under California law as well. The law requires motorists to stop immediately and remain at the scene of a crash. Drivers are also required to exchange information with other parties involved in the crash and render aid to the injured victim.
Families of hit-and-run victims who have been killed may be able to seek compensation for their losses by filing a wrongful death claim against the at-fault parties. An experienced Los Angeles hit-and-run lawyer will also be able to advise victims or their families about how their auto insurance policy might apply in a case where the at-fault driver is not apprehended or in cases where they are uninsured or underinsured.