Police Look for Hit-and-Run Driver in Fatal Lincoln Heights Crash

Officials are still looking for a hit-and-run driver who struck and killed Bi Xu Chen in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles the night of April 1. According to a KTLA news report, the fatal car accident occurred near the intersection of North Broadway and Workman Street. Chen, 67, was going through recyclables when she was struck and critically injured by a driver who fled the scene. Chen was transported to an area hospital where she died.

Fleeing the Scene of a Crash

The driver’s vehicle is described as a red or black SUV. Family members and friends are asking anyone with information to come forward. Officials later found the hit-and-run vehicle, but no arrests have been made. Investigators say they are looking at surveillance videos and have some “good leads” in the case.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members of Bi Xu Chen. She has been described as an “extremely hard working woman, wife, mother and grandmother.” A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to raise money for Chen’s funeral expenses. Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver struck and fatally injured Chen, but left her lying in the street and did not stop to help or call the authorities. Leaving the scene of a fatal car accident is a felony crime under California law. California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) states that motorists involved in collisions should stop immediately at the scene and wait for the authorities to arrive. They are also required to exchange pertinent information with the other parties and most importantly, assist injured victims.

Justice for Hit-and-Run Victims

Families of victims who have been killed in hit-and-run accidents struggle not just emotionally as they grieve this tremendous loss, but also financially because they are faced with large, unforeseen expenses such as medical costs and funeral/burial expenses. In addition, they are left with no one to hold accountable when a hit-and-run driver has not been identified or apprehended.

Hit-and-run victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable attorney will also be able to advise them about how the uninsured motorist clause of their own auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run crash where the driver has not been apprehended, or in a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.