(Sherman Oaks, CA) Los Angeles police are seeking the driver of a silver sedan that struck and severely injured a 69-year-old woman in a crosswalk at Hatteras Street and Willis Avenue.
On Wednesday, October 28, at about 7:50 a.m., the four-door sedan was traveling east on Hatteras Street. At some point, it struck the woman as she used the crosswalk at Willis Avenue. Police said the driver left without stopping.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics took the woman to a hospital with severe injuries. Valley Traffic Division detectives released video footage of the sedan to help identify the driver. A reward of up to $25,000 is available for information leading to the driver’s identification, arrest and conviction.
Anyone with information can call Valley Traffic Division Officer Reyes at 818-644-8114. The LAPD’s after-hours number is 877-527-3247. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Analysis of the Willis Avenue Collision
Police say the woman was in the crosswalk when the eastbound sedan struck her. The sedan’s approach bears on whether the driver yielded, while its reported departure raises a separate duty to stop and help.
California Vehicle Code 21950 requires drivers to yield to pedestrians crossing in a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. A driver approaching someone in the crosswalk must use reasonable care, including slowing down or taking other action needed to protect the pedestrian.
California Vehicle Code 20001 requires a driver involved in an injury collision to stop as soon as reasonably possible. Under California Vehicle Code 20003, the driver must provide identifying information and render reasonable assistance, including arranging transportation for medical treatment when it is apparently needed or the injured person requests it.
Whether the driver had time to yield depends on how the sedan approached the crosswalk. The duty to stop and assist is required once the collision occurred.
How the Family Can Move Forward
Contact Officer Reyes to get information on the Willis Avenue collision. Ask if footage of the accident was recorded so detectives can assess whether the tip matches the sedan they are seeking.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 888-888-9285 to speak with a lawyer.
