Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

Two girls ages 12 and 13 were hospitalized in critical condition Tuesday night after they were struck by a car in a North Hollywood crosswalk, Fox Los Angeles reported. The pedestrian accident occurred on Laurel Canyon Boulevard near Kittridge Street at 7:27 p.m. The girls, who were not identified, were thrown about 50 feet when they were struck by a green Jeep with Oregon plates driving south on Laurel Canyon. At least one of the girls was unconscious when paramedics responded. Officers gave the driver a field sobriety test and he was put into the back of a police cruiser. It is not known if alcohol or drugs played a role in this accident.

The girls were taken to separate hospitals where they were listed in critical condition. We hope the two young girls injured in this accident make a full and quick recovery from their undoubtedly very grave injuries. Please keep the girls, and their families, in your prayers. We wish them the best.

Cause of the North Hollywood Pedestrian Accident

It is not clear why the driver of the vehicle struck the girls, or how fast he was going at the time of impact. The posted speed limit in the area was 35 mph. Based on the news reports, the driver should have stopped if the girls were in a marked crosswalk. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950: "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..."

Crosswalk Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Liability

In situations such as this one, where a car vs. pedestrian accident occurs in a marked crosswalk, it would certainly be advisable for the family members of the two victims to contact a knowledgeable Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer. If the driver is determined responsible for the crash as may be the case based on the news report, he may be liable for the injuries of the two young girls, including their medical care expenses, and compensation for any resulting physical disability and pain and suffering. Contacting a lawyer soon after an accident is critical to preserve evidence and witness statements necessary to determine liability and financial responsibility.