Annette Marie Carter, 62, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident the night of January 3, 2010 after she was struck by a car while crossing the street. According to a CBS news report, the driver who struck Carter at the intersection of Normandie Avenue and West Adams Boulevard, in South Los Angeles, fled the scene of the crash. The suspect vehicle was last seen speeding northbound on Normandie Avenue. Carter died from her injuries. Police say the hit-and-run vehicle was possibly a black Toyota Corolla driven by a man. If you witnessed this incident or have information, please call LAPD at 323-290-6063 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Annette Marie Carter for their devastating loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 90 fatalities and 2,690 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles. Countywide, 210 deaths and 5,095 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2007. Also, in Los Angeles County, 712 fatalities and 56,475 injuries occurred due to car accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Fatal Accident?

If this news report is accurate, this driver, when apprehended, could face felony hit-and-run charges. This news article does not say where the woman was on the road at the time of the accident. Was she legally crossing the roadway? Was she in a crosswalk or at an intersection? Also, did the driver crash into her because he was impaired, speeding, driving recklessly or in a negligent manner?

California Laws and Liability Issues

Whatever the cause, it is a serious crime in California to leave the scene of an accident. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "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."

Carter's family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will stay on top of the criminal investigation, make sure the family's rights are protected and that they receive just compensation for the damages and loss they have suffered. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims may be able to receive compensation to cover funeral or medical expenses, loss of earnings, loss of companionship and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free initial consultation to accident victims and their families.

We are 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 a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

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