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Fatal Bicycle Accident in Gardena Involves Hit-and-Run Driver

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Authorities in Gardena are looking for a hit-and-run driver, who they say, struck and killed 31-year-old bicyclist Jennifer Costlow, the night of August 13, 2010. The fatal crash claimed the life of Costlow, who was four months pregnant at the time. She was riding a bike with her boyfriend down Normandie Avenue, near Gardena Boulevard, when a dark-colored two-door sedan struck her and took off. No other suspect or vehicle description is available. Anyone with information is asked to call 310-217-6135. Or please go to our web site www.hitandrunreward.com to find out how you can earn $1,000 for a tip leading to the arrest and felony conviction of a hit-and-run driver.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jennifer Costlow for their devastating loss. What kind of a person would leave a pregnant woman wounded to die on the roadway? I hope and pray that officials apprehend this driver and bring him or her to justice. Costlow’s grieving family members will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but16 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Gardena. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 33 people died and 3,315 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

California Vehicle Code 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.” Motorists are required by the law not only to stop and remain at the scene of an accident, but also to exchange information with the other parties and most importantly, obtain medical assistance for the injured victims.

Liability Issues

If this accident was caused by an unsafe condition on the roadway, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental agency must be filed with 180 days of the accident. Families of deceased victims in such cases would be well-advised to seek the legal counsel of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options.

Question: Would you report a hit-and-run suspect if you could do so anonymously?

The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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