Guillermo Antonio Cartagena, 75, was killed in a hit-and-run crash while crossing the street in El Sereno on the evening of Oct. 22. According to a KTLA news report, a 44-year-old man surrendered at the LAPD’s Hollenbeck station in Boyle heights the morning of Oct. 24. Authorities booked Oscar Suarez in connection with the hit and run that sent Cartagena to an intensive care unit with severe injuries. Cartagena had been crossing Bullard Avenue near Alhambra Avenue when the driver of a white pickup truck struck him.
Incident Details from the LAPD
The driver stopped and got out of his vehicle, but went back inside and left, LAPD officials said. Paramedics responded to the location and took Cartagena to the hospital. The victim’s family later pleaded for the responsible driver to come forward, describing Cartagena as a hardworking businessman from El Sereno and a good father.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Guillermo Antonio Cartagena who is apparently in critical condition at the hospital. We wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), it is illegal to leave the scene of an injury or fatal collision. The law further states that drivers must stop right away, remain at the scene and wait for the authorities to arrive. They should also exchange information with other parties involved in the incident and most importantly, obtain assistance for the injured parties. This might be something as simple as calling 911 to get prompt medical help for injured victims. In such cases, such prompt help can make the difference between life and death.
Justice for Victims
Injured victims or their families would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. At-fault motorists can be held liable for injuries and damages caused.
However, when the hit-and-run driver hasn’t been apprehended or identified, victims may still be able to seek compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of their auto insurance policies. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help victims or families better understand how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run crash where the driver has not been identified or in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/after-el-sereno-hit-and-run-that-severely-injured-75-year-old-man-turns-himself-in/