Tyrone L. Jones, 39, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident while crossing the street on June 26, 2010. According to a CBS News report, Jones was crossing near Broadway and 92nd Street in South Los Angeles, when a green Chevrolet Lumina struck him. Los Angeles police officials found him lying on the ground. Jones died at the scene and the vehicle that struck him fled the scene. Police have tracked down the vehicle, but have not yet found the driver. Anyone with information is asked to call the South Traffic Division at 323-290-6063.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Tyrone Jones for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 104 fatalities and 2,716 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles. Countywide, 214 people died and 4,985 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Hit-and-Run Law
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California 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."
Compensation Issues
Motorists are required to stop, remain at the scene of the accident, exchange information with other parties and most importantly, obtain assistance for the injured victim. However, in this case, the motorist did not even stop, but sped away from the scene. It is not clear whether Jones was crossing in a crosswalk or at an intersection. Irrespective of whose fault the accident was, the driver of the Lumina should have stopped at the scene of the accident under the law. I trust the motorist in this case will soon be apprehended and brought to justice.
In such cases, victims' families would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise families about how their own car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run crash or to a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
What is the best method to encourage members of the public to report hit-and-run drivers?
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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