Pedestrian Killed in Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Car Accident
Twenty-year-old Kristi Nicole Turner died in a Los Angeles car accident after she was struck by an SUV the evening of November 13, 2009, while attempting to cross a street. The Daily Breeze reports that the fatal pedestrian accident occurred when Turner stepped in a crosswalk at the intersection of Marine and Lemoli avenues in El Camino Village and an eastbound 1993 Chevy Suburban struck her. Turner was pronounced dead at the scene.
However, the driver of the Suburban did not stop. Eyewitnesses to the collision followed the SUV and got a Hawthorne police officer to pull the SUV over. This car accident is being investigated by California Highway Patrol officials as a hit-and-run accident. Investigators are also apparently looking into who had the right-of-way at the time of the accident, specifically, whether Turner had the green light when she stepped into the crosswalk.
Tragic Pedestrian Accident Claims Young Life
My heart goes out to the family of young Kristi Nicole Turner for their devastating loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved this woman. Turner and her family will be in my prayers.
Motorists who become involved in car accidents in the state of California are required under law to remain at the scene of the crash. In such cases, it doesn't matter whether or not the accident was your fault. As a driver, you are required to stop, render aid to the victim and exchange information with the other party or their family. Leaving the scene is unacceptable both from an ethical and legal point of view.
Hit-and-Run Law in California
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."
If Turner was crossing legally and had the right-of-way at the time, the driver of the SUV would have also violated California Vehicle Code Section 21950, which states that the driver of a vehicle should stop and yield right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections.
In such cases, it might be in the best interest of victims to contact a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will not only make sure that a fair investigation is being conducted and that the family's legal rights are being protected. A skilled car accident lawyer should also determine if there was a dangerous condition at this street intersection. If that was the case, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining this roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code, any claim against a governmental agency in California should be filed within six months of an accident or injury.
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.
