A 22-year-old man identified by authorities as Benjamin Zelman is fighting for his life after a hit-and-run crash in West Hollywood. A Volkswagen car struck Zelman near the restaurant where he was working as a valet, the night of May 19, 2010.
Weho.com and NBC News report that the driver of the VW bug did not stop at the scene and fled. Zelman was transported to a local hospital where he still remains in a coma. Police say the car that hit Zelman was a yellow VW convertible with a black top. The car may have front-end damage. If you have any information, please call 213-473-0234. Zelman's mother has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.
I sympathize with Zelman's family. It is devastating to have a family member critically injured in a car accident. But to know that the person who did it is still at large is even more distressing for a victim's family members. It is hard for these families to get a sense of closure or move on with their lives until the suspect is apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Pedestrian Accidents
There were no fatalities, but 63 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in West Hollywood in 2008, according to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics. In Los Angeles County, 214 people died and 4,985 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.
Hit-and-Run Law
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." Drivers who are involved in car accidents are required to stop at the scene, regardless of who is at fault. Motorists are required to exchange information with other parties such as address, insurance information and contact, and also render aid to the injured victim.
Claim for Compensation
In such cases, families of critically injured victims in would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure their legal rights are protected.
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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.
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