(Los Angeles, CA) A bicyclist was killed Wednesday evening, November 12, in an East Vernon Avenue collision after being struck by a hit-and-run motorcyclist in the South Park neighborhood of South Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Police Department officers were called around 7:25 p.m. to the 700 block of East Vernon Avenue, between Avalon Boulevard and McKinley Avenue, after reports of a person lying in the roadway, according to Officer Charles Miller.
When officers arrived, they found the bicyclist unresponsive. Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department pronounced the victim dead at the scene. Witnesses told police they saw a motorcycle leaving the area after the crash, but were unable to provide a description.
The victim’s identity has not yet been released pending notification of family. LAPD detectives are investigating the collision and urging anyone with information to come forward.
Overview on the East Vernon Avenue Collision
In cases where a driver, or in this instance, a motorcyclist, flees after causing injury or death, the Hit-and-Run Statute applies. This law mandates that anyone involved in a crash stop, provide identification, and render reasonable aid to injured persons. Failing to do so is a felony punishable by imprisonment.
Because the victim was riding a bicycle, the Bicycle Safety and Overtaking Law also becomes relevant. It requires motorists to give at least three feet of clearance when passing cyclists. A sudden impact from close proximity can easily prove fatal, especially at night.
Investigators may also review the Basic Speed Law to determine whether the motorcyclist was traveling at a safe speed for the conditions on East Vernon Avenue. These laws will guide the LAPD’s investigation into the cause and accountability for the East Vernon Avenue collision.
Support for the Family
You should remain in contact with the LAPD South Traffic Division for updates on the ongoing investigation and to request the official collision report when it becomes available. This document can provide crucial details about how the crash occurred.
When you are ready, you may want to speak with an attorney who handles wrongful-death and hit-and-run cases. They can help your family understand your legal rights and assist in seeking justice.
Finally, take time to grieve and lean on support networks in Los Angeles, family, friends, and local victim-assistance programs, as you honor and remember your loved one’s life.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
