A man who was struck and killed in a Los Angeles car accident by a hit-and–run driver the evening of October 12, 2009 remains unidentified, according to a report posted on LAPD's Web site. The man was hit by a silver colored Mercedes that was heading west in the number one lane of 8th Street in Los Angeles. The driver of the Mercedes fled the accident scene, stopping briefly at Berendo Street to inspect his car and then kept going.

The victim of this pedestrian-car accident died from his injuries shortly after the crash, at a local hospital, officials said. No further information either on the model of the car or a description of the driver is available at the moment. Police also need help identifying the victim. Anyone with more information about this incident is requested to call Investigator J. Fisher with the LAPD's West Traffic Division at 213-473-0234. Callers may also use the 24-hour, toll-free number at1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247) and can choose to remain anonymous.

Tragic Pedestrian Accident

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this victim, who was struck down and left critically injured on the street. This is truly a tragic event. A man is killed and his family may not even be aware of it – all because of the actions of a thoughtless and rash driver. My prayers are with this man's family.

Pedestrian accidents are on the rise in Southern California. California Highway Patrol's data estimates that in 2007 there were 90 fatalities and 2,690 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in the city of Los Angeles.

California Car Accident Laws

This news report does not offer much information on where exactly the man was on the street at the time of the collision. If he was crossing the street at a crosswalk or at a street intersection, the driver who struck him can be held liable for the accident and fatal injuries. If this account is accurate, it seems to me the motorist fled knowing he had struck a person present legally on the street. This driver even stopped to check the condition of his car but left the victim dying on the road. Despicable!

I trust LAPD officials will soon track down and bring in the suspect. If this driver is found to be at-fault for hitting the man and then leaving the accident, I hope he will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "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."
Consulting With Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers

In situations where a hit-and-run driver has caused serious injuries or even death, the victims or the families of the deceased victims would be well-advised to seek a consultation with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer. They require the help and guidance of an experienced lawyer to protect their rights and interests. The best pedestrian accident attorneys will be able to determine how compensation may be sought from the victim's or his family's car insurance policy in the event of an uninsured or underinsured driver or, as in this case, a hit-and-run driver.

We are 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 a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.