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Los Angeles County Bicycle Accident Caused By Drunk Driver

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A 44-year-old bicyclist was struck and killed in an Los Angeles car accident the morning of April 19, 2009, the Los Angeles Daily News reports. The victim, whose name has not yet been released, was hit early morning by 22-year-old Alejandro Hidalgo of Panorama City. Hidalgo was in a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant with a passenger, driving south in the 1200 block of North Glendale Boulevard near Park Street when he hit the victim, who was riding a 10-speed bicycle south on Glendale Boulevard. Police said Hidalgo fled the scene of the accident.

An individual, who witnessed the fatal car accident was, however, able to jot down the hit-and-run vehicle’s license plate number. Los Angeles Police Department detectives tracked Hidalgo down at a Panorama City home. The passenger, who was riding with Hidalgo, provided a statement and was released. Police arrested Hidalgo on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter and felony drunk driving.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family of the victim, who was tragically killed because of this driver’s negligence and lack of concern for human life. Please keep the victim’s family and friends in your prayers.

I sincerely hope Hidalgo is held civilly and criminally responsible for this fatal bicycle accident. He not only operated a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, but he also left the scene of an accident. These are both serious violations of California law. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.” California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) states: “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.” Hit-and-run is also a crime under California Penal Code Section 192.

The family of the deceased victim would be well-advised to retain the services of reputed Echo Park bicycle accident lawyers experienced in handling DUI traffic accident cases, who will determine the facts of the case and hold the negligent parties accountable. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer would also be able to advise the family about how the uninsured/underinsured motorist clause in the victim’s auto insurance could help compensate them, should Hidalgo lack insurance coverage.

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