California Injury Blog
A bicyclist was fatally injured in a hit-and-run collision in Venice and LAPD officials are asking for the public’s help to find the person responsible.
According to a KTLA news report, the bicyclist was hit by a dark-colored Chevrolet Bolt near the intersection of Grand and Venice boulevards on the night of Dec. 22. Police said the driver of the Chevrolet struck the bicycle while doing a U-turn, ejecting the bicyclist from his bike and sending him onto the roadway.
Fatal Bicycle Accident
Los Angeles fire officials took the man to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. The driver of the Chevrolet fled the scene without stopping to help the victim.
Police reminded the public in a news release that drivers should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify themselves if they are ever involved in a collision.
Anyone with information about this fatal crash is asked to contact LAPD at 213-473-0235. The investigation is ongoing.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased victim for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Based on this news report, the driver left the injured bicyclist on the roadway and fled the scene. Officials also say the driver struck the bicyclist while making a U-turn. Under California law, drivers are required to yield the right of way to other vehicles before making a left turn or U-turn. Leaving the scene of an accident is also illegal under California law.
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.”
Justice for Victims’ Families
In such cases, families of deceased victims are not only dealing with the grief of having lost a loved one but are also traumatized by the fact that the motorist who caused the accident has not been identified or apprehended. In addition, they are also looking at financial repercussions including funeral costs and loss of income.
Families of deceased hit-and-run victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles hit-and-run lawyer who will remain on top of the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.
A knowledgeable attorney will also advise families about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a case where the hit-and-run driver has not been apprehended or where the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/lapd-seeking-hit-and-run-driver-in-fatal-collision-with-bicyclist/