Bicyclist Killed in Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Car Accident

Ovidio Morales, 40, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after his bicycle was struck by a vehicle whose driver may have been distracted because he was talking on a cell phone. According to a KTLA News report, the fatal bicycle accident occurred the morning of February 15, 2010 near the intersection of Compton Boulevard and Dwight Avenue in Compton. Eyewitnesses told police that they saw a Ford van hit the bicyclist, stop for a moment and then speed away. They also said that the hit-and-run driver ran a red light while talking on a cell phone. The suspect vehicle is described as a silver or gray 1990s Ford passenger van, possibly an Aerostar. Anyone with information is asked to contact Los Angeles Sheriff's deputies at 310-605-6500.

I offer my deepest condolences to everybody who knew and loved Ovidio Morales. This must be a devastating loss for his family. Morales is a father of five, according to the news report. His grieving family members will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 34 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Compton. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 114 deaths and 2,934 injuries were reported as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

Police Looking for Hit-and-Run Suspect

I trust that the hit-and-run driver in this case will soon be apprehended and brought to justice. A surveillance camera recorded the fatal accident. If the details of this news report are accurate, the driver was distracted by a phone call, ran a red light and fatally struck the bicyclist. Then, he actually checked on the injured man lying on the roadway, and instead of stopping to help him, sped away. Appalling!

Laws and Liability Issues

Based on this report, the driver broke several California laws here. He was talking on a hand-held cell phone. He ran a red light and struck the cyclist. And then, he left the scene of the crash. If I were a member of Morales' family, I would certainly get in touch with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable for their actions. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to advise the family about how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run accident or to an incident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

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.