Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich is proposing a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a hit-and-run driver in connection with a fatal accident that killed Shih-Siang Ho. According to a news report in The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Ho, a wheelchair-bound man was going from his sister-in-law's house to his own home when he was hit the afternoon of December 1, 2009 at the 6th Street underpass at Ramona Road.
Ho suffered fatal injuries. The hit-and-run driver remains at large. The reward is part of the effort to renew public interest in locating the suspect. The vehicle, investigators say, likely had minor to moderate damage in the front and passenger side as a result of the crash. However, no vehicle description is available. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Alhambra police Officer Brandon Cardella at 626-570-5119.
Hit-and-Run Statistics and Law
According to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California in 2008. A majority of these car accidents involved injuries. There were a total of 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions statewide. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."
Making a Difference
Hit-and-run drivers make my blood boil. Not only is leaving the scene of an accident illegal, but it is also a refusal to take responsibility for one's own actions. In this particular pedestrian accident case, the driver struck a disabled man in a wheelchair and left him injured -- to die -- on the street. Despicable! Had this victim received timely help, he may have been alive today. This is why the law requires motorists to remain at the scene of an accident and most importantly, get help for the injured victim. It could be as simple as punching 911 on your cell phone.
The Newport Beach personal injury law firm of BISNAR | CHASE is committed to eradicating hit-and-run incidents by encouraging witnesses to call with information. We have a partnership with WeTip, a leading anonymous crime reporting service and law enforcement advocacy non-profit organization. We are also offering a $1,000 to tipsters whose information leads to the arrest and felony conviction of the hit-and-run suspect. Our hope and belief is that drivers will think twice about leaving the scene of an accident if they know that there will be a bounty on them if they do. For more information, please visit our web site at www.hitandrunreward.com.
Do you believe that you are more likely to call with a tip if you are promised anonymity?
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
SLS Consulting