Man Killed in Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident

A man suffered fatal injuries in a pedestrian accident in the Harvard Heights area of Los Angeles. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the fatal accident occurred at the intersection of Western Avenue and Cambridge Street where the man was struck by two vehicles while crossing an unmarked crosswalk. LAPD officials said the man died at the scene. One of the drivers remained at the scene and cooperated with officials, but the other driver fled. It is not clear which one of the drivers struck the pedestrian first. The investigation is ongoing.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members and friends of this deceased victim. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

There were 90 deaths and 2,639 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in the city of Los Angeles, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 211 people died and 4,721 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Violation of Laws

Based on this news report, it appears that two vehicles struck the pedestrian who was walking in an unmarked crosswalk, but only one of the drivers stopped and remained at the scene. California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a) 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.”

Also California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) requires all motorists involved in an accident to stop and remain at the scene of the collision, exchange pertinent information with other parties and most importantly, get help for the injured parties. Leaving the scene of an injury accident, regardless of whose fault you may have believed the incident was, is a felony crime.

Liability Issues

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing may have played a part, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and loss of love and companionship. Injured victims or their families would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer who will remain on their side, fight for their rights and help ensure that they are fairly compensated for their significant losses.