California Injury Blog
Lauren Ann Freeman, 21, was killed in a hit-and-run car accident in West Hollywood after she was struck by a Bentley while walking in a crosswalk. According to a CBS News report, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred the night of November 10, 2010, when Freeman was crossing the street at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Hammond Street. Ryan Bowman, an Australian national and Venice resident, turned himself to police the following day in connection with the incident. Police say alcohol may have also played a part in this accident. Immediately after hitting Freeman, Bowman drove away from the scene, abandoned the Bentley in a residential neighborhood and fled on foot.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lauren Ann Freeman for their tremendous loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 63 people were injured in West Hollywood pedestrian accidents. During that same year, 214 fatalities and 4,985 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles County.
Hit-And-Run Car Accidents
It is a serious crime under California law to leave the scene of an injury car accident. California Vehicle Code Section 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.”
I’m absolutely infuriated when I hear about accidents like this one where a pedestrian is mowed down by a possibly drunk driver and the driver takes off to dodge the consequences. In this case, Bowman may have violated several California laws when he struck and killed the young woman. Failure to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 21950. The suspect may have also driven under the influence, which is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23152. If this proves to be accurate, then Bowman’s negligence here is simply appalling.
Protecting Victims’ Rights
In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is apparent, the family of the deceased victim would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. In such cases, a family can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.
Lost a family member in a Los Angeles hit-and-run car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal West Hollywood pedestrian accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.
What penalties do you think hit-and-run drivers should face in California?
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.