A 59-year-old man sustained fatal injuries in a Los Angeles car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing a street in downtown Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Daily News reports that the man was crossing Alameda Street near East 8th Street, when a vehicle struck him early morning March 29, 2010. The pedestrian died at the scene of the crash. But the driver did not stop. The hit-and-run vehicle was described as a dark sedan, possibly a Nissan, with front-end collision damage. Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD Central Traffic Detective Jose De Leon at 213-972-1845.

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I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this victim for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

There were 104 fatalities and 2,716 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 traffic accident statistics. Countywide, pedestrian accidents claimed 214 lives and injured 4,985 people during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

I sincerely hope police are able to apprehend this hit-and-run driver and bring him or her to justice. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California 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."

A motorist who is involved in an accident is required to stop at the scene and exchange pertinent information such as insurance, driver's license and contact information. The motorist is also required to get help for the injured party. In this case, the driver chose to flee the scene of the crash. He or she may not even have been at fault in this case. But when apprehended, this driver will very likely face felony hit-and-run charges for leaving the scene of a major injury crash.

Claim for Compensation

Victims' families, in such cases, would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the investigation and make sure that the family's legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled California car accident lawyer will also be able to advise families on how the uninsured/underinsured clause of their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run accident or an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.