Toddler Killed in North Hills Hit and Run Crash

A horrific hit-and-run crash in North Hills left 18-month-old Sebastian Chavez dead and another woman seriously injured on the morning of Oct. 17.

According to a City News Service report, the fatal crash occurred at the corner of Nordhoff Street and Langdon Avenue near Our Lady of Peace church.

Fatal Collision

Witnesses said two vehicles collided and at least one of the vehicles veered up the sidewalk and crashed into a wall. Police said the driver of a Honda HR-V was making a left from Nordoff to Langdon when it collided with a car, possibly a grey Toyota Camry. The Honda driver’s foot appeared to become stuck on the accelerator during the collision and hit the wall striking a tamale stand.

The child, who was in a stroller on the sidewalk, was pinned between the Honda and a brick planter. The driver of the Honda stopped, but the other driver fled. Sebastian was with a woman believed to be a tamale vendor in the area. Other vendors said she is the boy’s grandmother. She was also injured. The investigation is ongoing.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased child and the injured woman believed to be the toddler’s grandmother. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Justice for Victims and Families

Based on this news report, it appears that one of the drivers involved in the collision fled the scene without even stopping to help the fatally injured child or the injured woman. Leaving the scene of a fatal or injury crash is illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a). The law requires motorists to stop immediately remain at the scene of the crash, exchange pertinent information with all parties involved, and most importantly render aid to those who are injured.

Injured victims and families of deceased victims may be able to seek compensation for their tremendous losses. An experienced Los Angeles hit-and-run lawyer will be able to stay on top of the official investigation and help ensure that victims’ and families’ rights and best interests are preserved. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how they may be able to pursue compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of their own auto insurance policy, particularly if the hit-and-run driver is not identified or if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

 

Source: https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/todder-killed-hit-run-crash-north-hills/2718152/