Two pedestrians sustained injuries in a Long Beach car accident after they were struck by a suspected drunk driver while walking in a crosswalk. According to a KTLA News report, the injury collision occurred near 2nd Street and Pacific Coast Highway on July 11, 2010, when the driver of a Land Rover ran a red light and struck two women in a crosswalk. Police say one of the women was dragged by the SUV. The female driver stopped and opened the door, but soon drove away.

A person who witnessed this collision followed the alleged hit-and-run driver and called the police. Officials stopped the 37-year-old Seal Beach woman and booked her on suspicion of drunk driving and felony hit-and-run. The two victims were transported to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.

I sympathize with these two victims who appear to have been injured in this crash. I hope they did not sustain major injuries and wish them the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. I'm glad that this hit-and-run driver was apprehended, thanks to the efforts of the eyewitness who followed her.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were six fatalities and 234 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Long Beach. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 214 people died and 4,985 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Accident Laws

If the details of this news report are accurate, the driver of the Land Rover violated a number of traffic laws. Officials say, she was driving under the influence, ran a red light, failed to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk and then fled the scene of the crash. It is a serious crime to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle."
Motorists are also required under the law to stop at the scene of a crash and remain there until authorities arrive. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: "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."

Liability Issues

In such cases, where negligence or wrongdoing is apparent, it would be in the best interests of injured victims to contact an experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. Knowledgeable car accident lawyers will also advise victims about how their car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run collision or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

What are some of the most dangerous crosswalks for pedestrians in your city or neighborhood?

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.