Police are seeking the public's help to locate a hit-and-run driver, who apparently caused a Los Angeles car accident by striking and injuring a pedestrian, in North Hollywood. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Daily News, a 43-year-old man was walking across the intersection of Blythe Street and Lankershim Boulevard the night of December 19, 2009, when a dark colored, possibly older model Toyota Corolla, hit him. The suspect was a man, who may have been Hispanic, police say. The car is believed to have damage to its windshield.

The suspect vehicle was last seen heading south on Lankershim Boulevard toward Saticoy Street. The injured pedestrian accident victim was taken to an area hospital with severe injuries. If you witnessed this major injury car collision, please contact LAPD's Valley Traffic Division at 818-644-8028. If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

I sympathize with the victim of this pedestrian accident, who has sustained severe injuries. I hope and pray that he makes a speedy and complete recovery. He will certainly remain in my prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

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

California Car Accident Laws and Liability Issues

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law. This driver should have remained at the scene, obtained medical assistance for the seriously injured pedestrian, and should have exchanged identity and insurance information with the other party. Fleeing the scene of a crash is irresponsible, unethical and certainly illegal. I hope this hit-and-run driver is apprehended and brought to justice.

I trust investigators are also, looking into where this pedestrian was crossing the street. Based on the news report, it appears that he was crossing at an intersection. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950, motorists are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians who are walking in marked/unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

If this accident was caused by a dangerous roadway or intersection, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. In such cases, claims against governmental agencies in California should be filed within six months of the accident or injury. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney will protect this victim's legal rights and also explain to the victim and his family how their car insurance policy would apply to an accident involving a hit-and-run driver or an uninsured/underinsured motorist.

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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