David Golz, 29, of Long Beach died in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident the morning of February 8, 2009 after a woman ran a red light at an intersection and crashed into him. Brenda Rossal, 28, also struck Golz’s riding companion, 31-year-old James Culver, who is in the hospital with critical injuries. Rossal was traveling southbound on Cherry Avenue in a 2001 Chevy Tahoe when she ran a red light at the intersection of Cherry and Fourth Street, striking the two motorcycles heading west on Fourth. Our source for this blog was this news article in the Long Beach Press Telegram.
Rossal apparently fled the scene of the accident, but was pursued by witnesses who called police. She was arrested shortly afterward on suspicion of leaving the scene of the accident, running a red light and being an unlicensed driver. Golz was taken to a local hospital where he died. Culver suffered severe head injuries and is listed in critical condition. If you saw or know something more about this tragic accident, please call Long Beach Police Accident Investigations Detectives David Lauro or Sirilo Garcia at 562-570-7355.
My heart goes out to Golz’s family and friends as well as the injured victim, James Culver, who is fighting for his life – all because a negligent driver failed to stop at a red light and obey traffic laws. Please keep Golz’s family in your prayers. I wish Culver the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
There are so many things wrong about what this driver, Brenda Rossal, did. First of all, she was driving without a license. She ran a red light and hit these two men. And then, she took off from the scene of an accident. Rossal should be held criminally and civilly liable for the pain, suffering and heartache she has caused these victims and their families and friends. Running a red light is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a) and leaving the scene of an accident violates Section 20001 of the California Vehicle Code. A motorist – whether or not at fault – is required to stay at the scene of an accident. And if it is an injury accident, the motorist is also required to do what they can to render aid to the injured victims.
The families of David Golz and James Culver would be well-advised to retain the services of the best Long Beach motorcycle accident attorneys, who will help them secure compensation for their suffering and loss. A knowledgeable auto accident lawyer will also be able to explain how the uninsured/underinsured clause in their auto insurance will apply to this case, should Rossal not have motor vehicle insurance or sufficient insurance coverage.