California Injury Blog
Officials are looking for a hit-and-run driver who fled on foot after a fatal car accident in Compton the night of May 6 that killed 20-year-old Jennifer Lopez. According to a KTLA news report, the collision occurred as the victim was driving eastbound on Alondra Boulevard in a black Nissan Altima. A man in a blue Mitsubishi who was heading south on South Bullis Road at the same time slammed into the Nissan in the intersection. Surveillance video captured the moment of impact.
Officials say the driver of the Mitsubishi may have run a stop sign before colliding with the Nissan. The Mitsubishi’s driver fled on foot leaving Lopez trapped inside the Nissan. Paramedics arrived to extricate the woman, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family members say all they want is justice for Lopez. They are asking the driver to come forward and turn himself in. Authorities have not released a description of the hit and run driver. Police say the driver could face anything from the felony hit-and-run charge to vehicular manslaughter.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family members of Jennifer Lopez for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Violations of the Law
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Mitsubishi may have not only run a stop sign at the intersection and crashed into Lopez’s Nissan, but he also abandoned his vehicle and failed to provide assistance to Lopez who was trapped in her vehicle. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), motorists are required to stop and remain at the scene of an injury or fatal accident. In addition to exchanging pertinent information and cooperating with the authorities, drivers are required to render aid to the injured victims. The driver in this case fled the scene without doing any of the above.
Justice for Victims’ Families
The pain is real for families that have lost loved ones in hit-and-run crashes. Not only are they left with the loss of a beloved family member or a primary wage earner, but they are also looking at unforeseen expenses such as medical and funeral costs. In addition to grief, they face the emotional trauma of not knowing who caused their loved one’s death and deal with the fact that the individual has not yet been apprehended.
In such cases, families would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles hit and run lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable attorney can also help families understand how they might be able to seek compensation through their auto insurance policy in cases where the hit-and-run driver has not been apprehended or in cases where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: https://ktla.com/2019/05/07/hit-and-run-driver-sought-after-leaving-woman-to-die-in-wrecked-vehicle-in-compton/