California Highway Patrol officials are looking for a hit-and-run driver in connection with a fatal car accident on the 405 Freeway, which killed 31-year-old Brandon David Brown. According to a CBS News report, Brown crashed his Toyota Tercel into the back of an SUV that was stopped in the carpool lane of the freeway the morning of June 20, 2010. The SUV left the scene after the crash. Brown was killed in the impact. Authorities are trying to locate the hit-and-run vehicle and driver.
I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Brandon David Brown. This grieving family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Hit-and-Run Statistics
According to the 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 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions statewide.
Leaving the Scene of the Crash
According to California Vehicle Code 20001 (a): "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." Motorists in California involved in an accident are required to stop irrespective of who was at fault. They must not only exchange information with the other parties involved, but also obtain medical aid for the injured victim.
Liability Issues
I trust this hit-and-run driver will soon be located and brought to justice. Families of deceased victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held responsible. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to inform families about how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run crash or in a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.
What more should our legislators be doing to crack down on 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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