California Injury Blog
A male motorcyclist was killed in a car accident in Winnetka, which officials say, involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred the night of August 1. Officials say a black sedan was making a left turn onto Oakdale Avenue from Sherman Way when it collided into a motorcycle. The impact sent the motorcycle careening into a parked van.
Hit-and-Run Crash
The driver of the car stopped briefly, but left without rendering aid to the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist was transported by ambulance to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. Police are still looking for the hit and run driver. He has been described as Armenian or Hispanic in his late 20s or early 30s. He may have been driving a black BMW with tinted windows and dark rims, police said. Anyone with information is urged to contact police at 818-644-8034.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members and friends of this deceased motorcyclist for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Violation of Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver may have not only failed to yield the right-of-way to the oncoming motorcyclist before making a left turn (as required under the law), but also left the scene of a major injury collision without waiting for the authorities to arrive and rendering aid to the severely injured victim. 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.”
Holding Wrongdoers Accountable
Los Angeles has gained notoriety over the last decade as the “hit-and-run capital” of the nation. According to recent statistics, there were more than 28,000 reported hit-and-run collisions in 2015 in Los Angeles County. In fact 50 percent of all traffic accidents in Los Angeles County are hit-and-run cases. The national average is only 11 percent, according to the American Automobile Association.
Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers are passionate about the pursuit of justice for all victims including hit-and-run victims. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a hit-and-run crash, you may be able to claim compensation for your losses even if the at-fault driver has not been found. You may be able to obtain compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of your own auto insurance policy. An experienced injury lawyer will also be able to determine if there are other avenues of compensation that is available to you.