California Injury Blog
Police are asking for the public’s help to identify a hit-and-run driver who struck and severely injured a 61-year-old man in Rosemead before leaving the scene.
According to a report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the collision occurred the morning of Nov. 8 on San Gabriel Boulevard south of Garvey Avenue near Zapopan Park. The driver fled the scene after the crash and the victim suffered life-threatening injuries.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials said they later located the vehicle, a black 2009 Nissan Altima with a white bumper. However, the driver had fled. Anyone with information about this collision or the suspect is asked to contact Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department detectives at 626-292-3389. The investigation is ongoing.
Our hearts go out to the injured victim of this pedestrian hit-and-run crash. We wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Nissan struck and severely injured the victim, then abandoned the vehicle and fled. In such cases, eyewitness statements and tips are critical for officials to crack the case and apprehend suspects. It is against the law to leave the scene of an injury or fatal crash 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.”
In such cases where drivers flee the scene of the crash, it is the victims who are left with the physical challenge of recovering from serious or painful injuries. They are also left with mounting medical expenses as they deal with costs such as emergency room fees, cost of surgeries, hospitalization, medications, medical equipment, and rehabilitative treatment and therapy. Above all, there is also the emotional trauma of not knowing who did this to them not having a sense of justice because the driver is still at large.
In such cases, it would be in victims’ best interests to retain the services of an experienced Los Angeles hit and run lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a case where the hit-and-run driver is not identified or in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: https://www.sgvtribune.com/2021/11/09/police-seek-info-on-hit-and-run-driver-in-rosemead/