Gilbert Carranza, 58, was killed in a Los Angeles hit-and-run pedestrian accident the night of June 9, 2009. According to a news report on Daily Breeze's Web site, Inglewood police officials are looking for leads to find the driver who struck Carranza on Prairie Avenue near 107th Street. They believe a van -- possibly a 1995 or newer Ford Aerostar -- driving south, struck Carranza. The van should have sustained front-end damage, police say. If you saw this fatal Los Angeles pedestrian accident or have any information about it, please call Inglewood Police Detective Jeff LaGreek at 310-412-5134 or 1-888-412-7463.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Gilbert Carranza for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this hit-and-run accident victim. Please keep them in your prayers. I trust that police will soon apprehend this hit-and-run driver and bring him or her to justice.
According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 car accident statistics, in Inglewood, there were two fatalities and 65 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 210 fatalities and 5,095 injuries were reported as result of car versus pedestrian accidents in 2007.
Over the last week or so, we have reported on a series of hit-and-run car accidents, some involving vehicles, but most of them involving pedestrians versus cars. "Hit-and-run" is the common term used when a motorist involved in an accident does not stop and flees the scene of the car crash. California law requires drivers to stop at the scene of the accident, exchange identification, contact and insurance information and render aid to injured victims. Drivers are required to stop regardless of whether they were at fault for the car accident or not.
California Vehicle Code section 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."
The family of Gilbert Carranza would be well-advised to consult with experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys, who will analyze the facts of this case and help determine whether the uninsured/underinsured clause of Carranza's car insurance could compensate his family for their damages and loss. Also, families of deceased car accident victims may be able to file wrongful death claims where negligence or wrongdoing is involved. Skilled Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorneys will be able to advice and guide Carranza's family about their legal rights and options.
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