The life of a pedestrian was claimed by a hit-and-run driver in South Los Angeles over the weekend. KTLA-TV reports the tragic accident occurred at the intersection of 98th Street and Vermont Avenue on Sunday night, April 9, 2023.
The California Highway Patrol responded to the scene in the Vermont Vista neighborhood around 9:30 p.m. Investigators found a man in his 50s had been struck by a car while crossing the street. The victim died.
He was reportedly hit by a white sedan. The driver fled the scene. So far there’s been no detailed description of the driver or the car released.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. If you have any information about the car or the driver involved, please call the Los Angeles California Highway Patrol Office.
Pedestrian Accident Danger in Los Angeles
Los Angeles hit-and-run drivers reduce the chances of survival and recovery for victims in several ways. A hit-and-run motorist leaves a victim at the scene and will usually not call 911. This thoughtless decision means that victims often must wait longer for life-saving ambulance care.
Pedestrians may also be left in the street where they’ll be vulnerable to strikes from additional vehicles with drivers who may not know the victim is there.
According to state transportation officials, there were over 1,200 pedestrians injured in traffic accidents in Los Angeles in 2022. A heartbreaking 153 of those victims lost their lives. What’s more, about half of those accidents involved a hit-and-run driver.
Hit-and-run drivers continue to create grief and loss for the families of pedestrian victims. It’s only with stronger laws and stronger enforcement that any improvement can be expected.
A note about Los Angeles hit-and-run car accidents…
If a loved one was the victim of an L.A. pedestrian collision, you should be aware of the benefits available to you and your family through an insurance claim. Financial support from an at-fault driver’s car insurance provider is critical to protect families from the extreme bills that arise after a tragic crash.
Families who have lost a loved one must be able to depend on car insurance support for funeral costs and the loss of income the victim can no longer provide to a spouse or children. Support can be sought, even in cases where a hit-and-run driver isn’t identified.
You can read more about earning critical wrongful death insurance support for your family on my page about pedestrian accident claims in Los Angeles.