A woman in a wheelchair was injured in a Los Angeles car accident after she was struck by a driver who then, left the scene. According to a news report in the Daily Breeze, the injury crash occurred the night of March 31, 2010, near 103rd Street and Avalon Boulevard, in South Los Angeles. Based on preliminary investigations, officials are saying that the woman was not in a crosswalk at the time of the accident. The woman was transported to a local hospital with a broken right femur. Police officials are seeking the driver involved in this injury crash, for felony hit-and-run. Anyone with information about the suspect or vehicle is asked to call LAPD's South Traffic Division at 213-485-7417.


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My heart goes out to this injured woman. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep her in your prayers.

Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics

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, pedestrian accidents claimed 214 lives and injured 4,985 people during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Law

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." The motorist is required under California law to stop -- whether the accident was their fault or not. Failing to stop at the scene of an accident is a criminal offense and may be punished with jail time and serious penalties.

Liability Issues

In this particular case, officials have determined that the woman in the wheelchair may have been crossing outside of a crosswalk. People in wheelchairs are considered pedestrians under California law and have the same rights and responsibilities as pedestrians. That said, even if the hit-and-run driver was not at-fault for this accident, he will still face felony charges because he left the scene of the crash instead of waiting for authorities and assisting the injured woman.

In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is suspected, injured victims would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will stay on top of the investigation and make sure that their rights are protected. If the accident was caused by a dangerous or defective roadway, the governmental agency or the city responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a California governmental agency must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

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