California Injury Blog
Gilani Taylor, 27, suffered life-threatening injuries and her 9-year-old daughter was killed in a Los Angeles car accident involving a hit-and-run driver. According to a KTLA news report, the fatal hit-and-run accident occurred on the 101 Freeway near Las Virgenes Road in Calabasas, the morning of October 1, 2011. A witness to the fatal crash, who was driving behind Taylor, stated that a white SUV sideswiped Taylor’s Chrysler sedan. The Chrysler then crashed into the center divider and slid on its roof before catching on fire. With the help of several Good Samaritans, Taylor was able to escape her burning vehicle, but they could not rescue her 9-year-old daughter. The girl died from her injuries. Taylor was critically injured and is on a respirator.
My deepest condolences go out to Gilani Taylor and her family for their loss. My heart goes out to this aspiring singer and songwriter whose career was apparently blossoming. I wish her the best for a speedy and complete recovery. She and her family members will be in my thoughts and prayers following this horrific hit-and-run car accident.
Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were killed and 66 injured in Calabasas car accidents. During that same year, there were 554 fatalities and 50,817 injuries reported due to Los Angeles County car accidents.
Hit-and-Run
Motorists are required under California law to stop and remain at the scene of an injury car crash. In addition, the law also requires them to exchange pertinent information and most importantly, render assistance to the injured parties. In this particular case, the driver of the white SUV that sideswiped Taylor’s sedan didn’t even slow down. Instead, this individual fled the scene leaving two people in a burning vehicle, one of them a little girl. Unconscionable!
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.”
I sincerely hope officials are able to quickly apprehend this hit-and-run driver and bring him or her to justice. If you have any information about this accident, please visit our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com. Our site allows witnesses to provide an anonymous tip and also become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.
Protecting Victims’ Rights
Not only are hit-and-run victims and their families left emotionally traumatized after the incident, but they are also burdened with costly medical bills. In this case, Taylor’s family is also facing funeral costs. Hit-and-run victims or their families in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also inform victims or their families about how their own auto insurance policy applies to a case where the hit-and-run driver is not identified, or, if the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.
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