Man Killed in Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Crash

A 44-year-old man was killed in a Los Angeles hit-and-run crash. According to a KTLA news report, the crash occurred early morning on January 7, 2016 on Pico Boulevard just west of Cherry Avenue. The victim was found lying in the street underneath the 110 Freeway. He was unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses called 911 to report seeing the man’s body. However, no one had actually witnessed the collision.

Investigators did not have a description of the vehicle or driver. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 213-833-3713. We offer our deepest condolences to the family members and friends of this hit-and-run victim. We wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Los Angeles has gained notoriety as the hit-and-run capital of the world. According to the LAPD, out of 40,000 car accidents in Los Angeles in 2014, nearly half were classified as hit-and-run accidents, which is well above the national average. Also, during the same period, 27 people were killed in Los Angeles hit-and-run crashes and 144 suffered serious injuries. However, only a fifth of those cases were actually solved.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver left the victim critically wounded and lying in the roadway. Outrageous! Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), it is illegal to leave an injured or deceased accident victim at the scene. Drivers should stop immediately and remain at the crash site until authorities arrive. Motorists are also required under the law to exchange information with other parties involved in the incident and most importantly attempt to help the injured victims.

Holding Wrongdoers Accountable

We hope the driver in this case is apprehended and brought to justice.  If you have lost a loved one in a hit-and-run crash, please contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that your legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run crash or in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.