(Los Angeles, CA) A pedestrian died in a La Brea Avenue hit and run after being struck by an SUV in Los Angeles’ Mid-City neighborhood Friday night.
On Friday, September 12, at 10:21 p.m., the La Brea Avenue hit and run occurred. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, it happened on La Brea Avenue just south of Venice Boulevard.
Investigators learned the pedestrian was crossing La Brea eastbound when a dark or silver Honda CRV struck them. Instead of stopping, the driver continued northbound on La Brea without providing aid. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics transported the victim to a hospital, where doctors pronounced them dead. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity pending family notification.
Police announced that a reward of up to $50,000 is available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver responsible for the La Brea Avenue hit and run.
Hit and runs are a serious and delicate situation. The state of California takes these cases very seriously. It’s important for all drivers to know what to do in a hit-and-run.
Legal Opinion on the La Brea Avenue Hit and Run
The La Brea Avenue hit and run involves a direct violation of California’s hit-and-run law. Since this collision killed a pedestrian, the driver faces severe criminal and civil liability. The most serious law at issue is California Vehicle Code 20001, which makes it a felony to flee the scene of a crash that causes injury or death. Drivers must stop, identify themselves, and provide aid. By fleeing, the SUV driver committed a felony that could result in years in prison.
Because the victim was a pedestrian, California Vehicle Code 21950 also applies. This statute requires drivers to yield to pedestrians lawfully crossing within crosswalks, marked or unmarked. Even if the victim crossed outside a designated crosswalk, drivers must still exercise due care to avoid collisions. If speed or reckless conduct contributed, California Vehicle Code 22350, the Basic Speed Law, could also be relevant. This law requires drivers to operate only at speeds safe for conditions, especially in urban areas at night.
For the victim’s family, California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60 provides the right to file a wrongful death claim. This claim can help cover funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the deep emotional toll of losing a loved one so suddenly.
What the Family Can Do
The family should contact a wrongful death attorney immediately. An attorney can work with LAPD investigators to obtain traffic camera footage, review surveillance video from nearby businesses, and gather witness statements. Once the driver is identified, the family can pursue civil damages in addition to the criminal prosecution. This can provide financial compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.
While the police continue their investigation, swift legal action ensures the family’s rights are protected. Taking these steps after the La Brea Avenue hit and run can help bring justice and accountability in this devastating tragedy.
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.
