(Los Angeles, CA) A pedestrian died in a 74th Street hit and run west of the Harbor (110) Freeway in Los Angeles.
On Monday, August 18, at 9:57 p.m., the 74th Street hit and run occurred. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded to the intersection of 74th Street and Figueroa Street.
When police arrived at the scene, they found a pedestrian struck outside of a crosswalk. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the 74th Street hit and run crash site, where they pronounced the man dead. Authorities determined an unidentified vehicle struck the victim while he walked outside of a crosswalk. The suspect did not stop to help and instead fled the scene. Anyone with information regarding the hit-and-run is urged to contact the LAPD at 877-275-5273. Tipsters who choose to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Legal Opinion of the 74th Street Hit and Run
Fleeing the scene of the deadly 74th Street hit and run is a serious crime in California. Leaving without stopping, helping, or calling for help violates California Vehicle Code 20001. This law requires any driver involved in a crash that causes injury or death to stop right away. They must give aid or contact emergency services. Running from the scene, especially when someone dies, can lead to felony charges and prison time.
Even though the victim walked outside of a crosswalk, that does not remove all responsibility from the driver. Drivers still have a duty to avoid hitting people in the roadway, even when they are not in a marked crossing. Under VEH 21954, pedestrians outside of crosswalks must yield to vehicles. This law also states that drivers must stay alert and do everything reasonable to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
The key legal issue here is not just where the pedestrian walked. It’s the fact that the driver hit a person and left him to die. That behavior is considered negligence on the driver’s part. Police are still looking for the driver from the 74th Street hit and run, which adds urgency for the victim’s family to protect their legal rights.
What the Family Can Do
The family of the man killed in the 74th Street hit and run should reach out to a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. Even though the suspect driver hasn’t been found yet, there are still steps the family can take. An attorney can work with LAPD to request surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras. That evidence may help identify the vehicle and driver. Under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60, the victim’s next of kin can file a wrongful death claim. This lawsuit can help cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional pain.
If the driver is found later and has insurance, the family can pursue a claim against their policy. If not, or if the driver remains unidentified, the family may still have options. Many auto insurance policies include “uninsured motorist” coverage, which can apply in the 74th Street hit and run. An attorney can help review the family’s own policies to see if this benefit applies.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
