(South Los Angeles, California) On October 24th, at approximately 3:45 p.m., a grey sedan hit and killed Bruce Federick Buchanan, 66, while making a turn from a gas station to W. Manchester Avenue.
The hit-and-run driver attempted to leave the scene by going west on Manchester Avenue until a bystander at the scene stopped the driver and told him that he struck the pedestrian. The driver remained at the scene, but fled shortly before the Los Angeles Fire Paramedics arrived. Police are desperately looking for the driver with a $50,000 reward.
The pedestrian crash is currently under investigation
Legal Analysis on the Manchester Avenue Hit-and-Run Crash
When a hit-and-run collision occurs, it can be due to negligence, speed. Based on the given information, investigators may review speed and hit-and-run laws to determine what consequences the driver shall face.
Because the hit-and-run driver fled the scene, the driver violated California Vehicle Code 20001 as it prohibits drivers from fleeing the scene. They may face imprisonment in a county jail for up to a year with a fine of $10,000. Since the driver caused Buchanan’s death, they can also possibly face imprisonment in the state prison for up to four years.
In regard to speeding, investigators may review the California Vehicle Code 22350, as it prohibits driving above the reasonable speed limit. Oftentimes, speed can determine how bad an injury can be. If someone struck a pedestrian or a vehicle with a high speed, the impact may be hard for a human to survive. For example, the driver may have driven over 100 mph and struck Buchanan. That can be a factor as to why the pedestrian did not survive.
Because the driver caused a death, the driver may not be punished under the speed law due but under California Vehicle Code 193. Under this law, the driver could face imprisonment in a county jail for up to six years for their unlawful or lawful action that resulted in another person’s death.
Advice to the Families Affected
If you are a loved one of Bruce Federick Buchanan, it is important to reach out to loved ones for emotional support during this difficult time. If you are planning to file a wrongful death claim, you can contact a legal attorney or lawyer in the state that is an expert in hit-and-run cases.
Have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident? call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
