California Injury Blog
Police have arrested a driver after a fatal pedestrian accident in South Los Angeles. According to an NBC Los Angeles news report, the fatal collision occurred the night of April 21, 2016 at the intersection of Slauson Avenue and Gramercy Place. LAPD officials say the pedestrian was walking in a marked crosswalk when a vehicle struck him. The impact of the collision caused the man to become airborne and then hit the pavement. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver fled the scene. Police, however, located the vehicle in Inglewood. They later arrested the man believed to be the driver. The victim was identified as a man in his 30s. The investigation is still ongoing.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members of this deceased victim. He will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Los Angeles Pedestrian Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 235 deaths and 24,789 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in the city of Los Angeles. Countywide, 585 people died and 50,917 were injured due to pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Laws Involving Pedestrians
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver struck a person who was walking in a marked crosswalk. To make matters worse, he fled the scene without stopping to help the victim, which is a felony crime under the law. Motorists are required to stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians who are walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
California Vehicle Code section 21950 states: “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.” The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk “shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.”
Liability Issues
In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased pedestrian accident victims can file what is known as a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost future income, funeral costs, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship. An experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney can help victims’ families stay on top of the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.