Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

An 11-year-old boy tragically died Thursday afternoon after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in South LA, CBS 2 reported. The July 15th accident occurred at 76th Street and Hoover Street at about 2:30 p.m. The victim was identified by the Los Angeles Police Department as Natanael Garcia. According to news reports, the woman who was driving the SUV that struck Garcia stopped momentarily, got out and checked Garcia, and then sped away northbound on Hoover Street.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Natanael, whose innocent young life was taken in this heartbreaking tragedy. ABC 7 News reported that Natanael was the the youngest of seven children, and that the accident occurred as he was crossing the street to meet his mother, who witnessed her son be struck by the SUV.

In this situation, the driver absolutely had a responsibility to stay at the scene until law enforcement arrived. Because she stopped briefly and got out of her vehicle, it is clear that she knew she had hit someone, and that the victim was gravely injured. It is shocking that an adult woman would leave a child suffering in an attempt to avoid law enforcement. For Natanael's family's sake, we hope the driver is located or turns herself in to police immediately. There is simply no excuse for fleeing the scene of an accident like this one.

Update: A 23-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with this accident (see LA Times report).

Public Asked To Help Locate Suspect

The suspect was described as a Latino woman driving black or dark blue SUV with tan trim and stock wheels. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact South Traffic Division Detectives at (323) 290-6063. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at (800) 222-TIPS. Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Accidents Involving Children and Wrongful Death Liability

The loss of a child is something that no parent should ever have to experience or witness. When young children die due to the negligent, reckless, or careless actions of another, families may hold the at-fault party responsible in a civil claim for wrongful death. Although no amount of financial compensation can ever ease the pain of a family member taken too soon, a claim can serve to meet the financial burdens of a loss, as well as hold the at-fault party accountable for her actions. In situations such as this one, family members would be well-advised to contact a Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer about the pedestrian accident, and the liability issues involved. In the event that the driver is not located, an attorney may be able to help the family recover compensation for their loss from their own insurance company, if they had one.

Continue reading "11-Year-Old Boy Struck and Killed in Crosswalk in South Los Angeles " »

A 34-year-old Pinion Hills man died early July 4th after he was struck by a vehicle on the west side of Highway 395 in Victorville, the San Bernardino County Coroner reported. The victim was identified as Michael Wayne Hartley. According to news reports, the driver of the vehicle that struck Hartley fled the scene of the accident, which occurred north of Dos Palmos Road, at 1:27 a.m. The cause of the accident is under investigation and Victorville Police are actively searching for the driver of the vehicle involved in this fatal hit-and-run accident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Deputy James Snow of the Victorville Police Department at 760-241-2911.

Our condolences go out to the family of Michael Hartley and everyone who knew him and loved him. For his family's sake, we hope that the driver of the vehicle involved in this incident will turn himself in or be located by law enforcement. Regardless of who was at fault or how an accident occurs, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death to another is against the law. The penalties for a fatal hit-and-run accident vary whether the driver was driving negligently or grossly negligently, and whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drivers with previous DUI convictions may face more serious charges.

Hit-and-Run Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

Along with criminal charges, if the driver is located, he or she may also be liable for the victim's death in a civil claim for wrongful death. Damages for a wrongful death claim may include monetary compensation for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future lifetime earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care and companionship, as well as other expenses related to the accident. While this San Bernardino hit-and-run fatality remains under investigation, the family of the victims would be well-advised to speak to a San Bernardino pedestrian accident lawyer. Even if the driver is not located, an attorney may possibly be able to help the victim's family obtain compensation for their loss from the victim's own insurance policy, if he had one.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver on Highway 395 in Victorville " »

An Orange County man tragically died on July 4th when he fell off an inner tube on Lake Havasu and was struck by the propeller of another boat, the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner reported. The victim, Eric James Lynn Norris, 30, of Huntington Beach, had fallen off an inner tube and was waiting for the boat that had been towing him to pick him up when he was struck by another boat. The accident occurred on the California side of Lake Havasu, near Havasu Landing Casino, at about 5:30 p.m.

Norris was pulled from the water by passengers in the towing boat. They immediately began CPR and brought Norris to Havasu Landing, where San Bernardino County Fire Department officials continued CPR. Norris died of his injuries before he could be taken to a hospital.

The boat that hit Norris slowed after striking Norris, but then the operator of the boat fled the scene and headed south toward Chalk Cliffs. Police received a number of tips from the public, and checked out three different boats, but all were ruled out. The vessel is believed to be a red V-Hull power boat with white striping. The operator of the boat was described as caucasian, heavy-set, with a moustache. A blonde female passenger was also on board the boat. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOAT OR ITS OPERATOR'S WHEREABOUTS IS ASKED TO CONTACT SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF'S DET. TRAHIN OR SGT. SMITH AT (760) 326-9200.

Our condolences go out to the family of Eric Norris. For the sake of his family and everyone who knew and loved him, we hope that the operator of the vessel is located or turns himself in. We strongly urge anyone with information to contact law enforcement. A similar fatal hit-and-run boating accident occurred near Topock in the area of the Interstate 40 Bridge spanning the Colorado River; that incident has not yet been cleared. Hopefully, this July 4th incident will not have a similar outcome.

Continue reading "Orange County Man Killed in Lake Havasu Boating Accident on Fourth of July" »

A 53-year-old man suffered a broken leg and head injuries when he was struck by a hit-and-run vehicle early Friday morning in Garden Grove, the Orange County Register reported. The accident occurred at the intersection of Magnolia Street and Chapman Avenue, shortly before 1 a.m. July 2nd. Police believe the cyclist, who was not identified, was riding his bike north on Magnolia when he was struck by a vehicle travelling east on Chapman.

No one witnessed the accident firsthand, but police said a small red vehicle was seen leaving the area. Anyone with information about the accident is as to contact Investigator Jason Perkins at (714)741-5823.

Stopping at the Scene of An Accident is the Law

Under the California Vehicle Code § 20001, "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."Regardless of why an accident occurs, there is absolutely no excuse for leaving the scene of an accident. For the sake of the victim, hopefully the driver of the vehicle will turn himself or herself in, or be located by law enforcement.

Personal Injury Liability and Hit-and-Run Accidents

If the driver of the vehicle is located, in addition to criminal charges for leaving the scene of the accident, he or she may also be held financially liable for the cyclist's injuries in a civil claim. While this hit-and-run accident is still under investigation, the victim or his family would be well-advised to consult with a California bicycle accident lawyer about this incident. An attorney who has successfully handled hit-and-run bicycle accidents may be able to assist with the efforts to locate the driver, or, in the event the driver is not located, help the victim obtain compensation for his injuries from his own insurance policy, if he had one.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Injured in Hit-and-Run Accident in Garden Grove " »

A 46-year-old woman in a wheelchair was struck and ran over by a hit-and-run driver in a crosswalk Saturday night, Bakersfield police reported. The accident occurred in the 800 block of Union Avenue (California State Route 204) at 8:28 p.m. The woman, identified as Guadalupe "Lupe" Delgadillo, was crossing the street in a crosswalk when she was struck. She died at about 3 a.m. the next morning at Kern Medical Center, the Bakersfield Californian reported.

Police are asking for the public's help in identifying the driver of the vehicle that struck Delgadillo. The car is believed to be a small gray or silver sedan, likely with visible damaged to the front end. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bakersfield Police at (661) 327-7111.

Bakersfield Pedestrian Accidents

There were a number of fatal pedestrian accidents in Bakersfield last year. On August 30, 2009, a 77-year-old woman in a wheelchair died after she was struck and killed on Redbank Road in Bakersfield. On August 22, 2009, a 54-year-old Bakersfield woman was struck and killed while walking in the 2700 block of Union Avenue. And last June, a 55-year-old man was killed when he was struck by a Ford F-350 pickup truck while riding his bicycle on South Union Avenue. The driver in that crash was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Hit and Run Accidents & Liability Issues

While this crash is still being investigated, the family of the victim may benefit from speaking to a California wrongful death attorney. If the driver is located, the family of the woman killed may be entitled to compensation for their loss in a civil claim for wrongful death. An attorney experienced in hit-and-run accident cases can aid in the search efforts to locate the driver, preserve evidence and explain how the victim's own insurance policy may apply, if she had one.

When a hit and run accident results in a fatality, the driver is usually charged with a felony. Under California law, a hit-and-run felony is defined as "a failure to immediately stop at the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving death or permanent injury." For the family's sake, we hope that the driver of the vehicle involved in this collision is located or turns himself or herself in.

Continue reading "Woman in Wheelchair Struck and Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver in Bakersfield " »

The Ventura California Highway Patrol is asking for the public's help in finding the driver of a vehicle that struck and critically injured a cyclist Monday afternoon in Saticoy. The accident occurred at the intersection of Nardo Street and Wells Road (California State Route 118) at about 2:50 p.m. on Monday, April 26th.

The cyclist, Jesus Esparza Delgado, who is about 65 years old, according to the Ventura County Star, was riding his bike south on Nardo Street when a vehicle heading north on Nardo turned left and strick him in the crosswalk at Wells Road. The impact forced Delgado into the car's window and then into the road. Delgado was not wearing a helmet and suffered very serious injuries. He was taken to Ventura County Medical Center, where he was reported to be in critical condition.

The vehicle was described by witnesses as a dark gray compact, possibly a Nissan Sentra from the late 80's or early 90's. A partial license plate of 2GW997 was provided. The car was reportedly last seen heading west on Wells Road toward Highway 126. One witness said two men who appeared to be in their 20s were in the vehicle. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the collision or the people in the car to call the Ventura CHP office at (805)477-4100.

We sincerely hope that the man hurt in this accident makes a full recovery. We also hope that the driver will come forward and turn himself in to authorities soon, or that he is located by law enforcement. Leaving the scene of any accident, regardless of who causes it, is against the law, not to mention heartless. Under the California Vehicle Code § 20001, "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

In this case, even though the driver has not been located yet, the family of Jesus Delgado would still be well-advised to talk to a California bicycle accident lawyer about their legal rights following this hit-and-run accident. In the event the driver is not located, an attorney can explain how the victim may be entitled to compensation from his own insurance policy, if he has one.

Continue reading "Cyclist Critically Injured in Saticoy Hit-and-Run Accident " »

A 17-year-old girl and a two-year-old child suffered catastrophic injuries when they were struck by a driver suspected to be under the influence of marijuana and other drugs who was driving in reverse in a Cathedral City neighborhood. The accident happened at around 7 p.m. Sunday April 12th at the corner of El Canto Road and Santoro Drive, two blocks south of McCallum Way.

The suspected drunk driver, Cesar Adrian Munoz-Jiminez, backed into the teen, who was holding the toddler. The teenager suffered a partial amputation of her leg, and the toddler who was thrown from her arms sustained serious head injuries. Munoz-Jiminez struck two other vehicles before his vehicle came to a stop against the house. Witnesses detained the suspected drunk driver until law enforcement arrived. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, but could face additional charges pending the investigation.

Who Was At Fault?

If the news reports of this tragic accident are accurate, Munoz-Jiminez is at fault for this crash. Police are still investigating, and are looking for a teen driver who was in one of the vehicles that was struck and drove away. Anyone with information is asked to call Valley Crime Stoppers (760) 341-STOP. While this accident is under investigation, the families of the victims should contact a Riverside personal injury attorney about their legal rights following this accident. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law under California Vehicle Code § 23152. In addition to criminal charges for his actions, Munoz-Jiminez may be held financially accountable for his actions in a civil personal injury claim. An personal injury attorney can help the victims ensure they receive the full and fair compensation they are entitled to for their injuries, which may be substantial.

Continue reading "Teen and Toddler Critically Injured April 11th in Suspected DUI Crash in Cathedral City " »

A 52-year-old woman in a wheelchair was seriously injured Wednesday night after she was struck by a hit-and-run vehicle in South Los Angeles, police reported. The incident happened at about 10 p.m. Wednesday near 103rd Street and Avalon Boulevard. The victim suffered a broken right femur and other injuries and was hospitalized at Harbor/UCLA Medical Center. The driver of the vehicle that struck the woman did not stop and is now wanted for felony-hit and run.

A description of the vehicle that struck the woman was not released. Anyone with information about the driver or the vehicle is asked to call the LAPD's South Traffic Division at (213) 485-7417.

We hope that this woman survives and makes a full recovery, and that the driver of the vehicle will be located or come forward. Regardless of whether the driver was at fault, not stopping at the scene of an injury accident is a crime. The family of the woman injured in this accident would be well-advised to consult with a Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney who can help with the efforts to locate the driver and protect the victim's rights. An experienced lawyer can also explain how the victim's own insurance policy, if she has one, may come into play if the driver of the vehicle is not located.

A 45-year-old man was hospitalized Tuesday night with critical injuries after he was struck by an SUV on Dinuba Street, authorities said. The Tulare County accident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. near Houston Avenue. According to reports, the driver of the 1992 GMC Suburban, Palemon Viera, stopped initially, but then got in his vehicle and fled the scene. A witness followed him and reported his location to police. He was arrested at his home on suspicion of felony hit and run. The victim, who was homeless, suffered serious injuries. He was taken to Kaweah Delta Medical Center and then to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno.

Police are investigating the accident. We hope this poor man survives and is able to make a full recovery from his injuries. Please keep him in your prayers.

Hit-And-Run Accidents & Liability Issues

Not to mention being incredibly cold-hearted, not stopping at the scene of an injury accident (and staying until help arrives) is against the law in California. Under the California Vehicle Code § 20001, "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident." While this accident remains under investigation, the victim and his family would be well advised to contact a California personal injury attorney experienced in handling pedestrian accident claims, including accidents involving hit-and-run drivers. An attorney can help protect the rights of the injured man and ensure he receives full and fair compensation for his injuries and pain and suffering due to this accident.

Continue reading "Man Critically Injured After Visalia Hit and Run Accident " »

Police are looking for the driver of an older model Chrysler following a hit and run collision Friday evening in San Bernardino. Thomas Joseph Meeks, 19, died at the scene of the crash; his 15-year-old stepbrother suffered life-threatening head injuries and was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition, the San Bernardino Sun reported Saturday. The hit and run bicycle accident occurred around 7 p.m. Friday, February 19th on 40th Street, between Johnson Street and Acre Lane in San Bernardino. The vehicle, an older model Chrysler or Pontiac, was travelling east on 40th Street about 40 mph when he struck the two boys, throwing them off the bicycle about 60 to 80 feet. One of the boys was sitting on the bicycle handlebars.

Police Sgt. Rich Lawhead told the San Bernardino Sun that investigators have "really have very little to go on." Anyone who witnessed this accident or has information about the accident is asked to call Sgt. Rich Lawhead at 909-384-5738 or 909-384-5735.

Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death is against the law in California. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident." Regardless of who was at fault, by the nature of being a party to this collision, the driver had a legal responsibility to stop. We hope that the driver is located or makes the decision to turn himself or herself in to authorities. Our sympathy goes out to the family of both victims, and we sincerely hope the injured boy is able to recover from his very serious injuries.

Continue reading "One Killed, One Critical After San Bernardino Hit and Run Bicycle Accident " »