A pedestrian was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after being struck by a vehicle at an Arleta intersection. According to a report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the fatal pedestrian collision occurred the night of April 26, 2010 at the intersection of Lassen Street and Langdon Avenue near Sepulveda Boulevard. California Highway Patrol officials said the vehicle did not stop at the scene. The victim was transported to an area hospital and pronounced dead. The hit-and-run vehicle is described as black with front-end damage.

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I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased victim for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian 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. 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.

Hit-and-Run Laws

I truly hope the hit-and-run driver here is apprehended and brought to justice. Leaving the scene of an accident or hit-and-run is a serious crime. It is against California law to leave the scene of a crash without exchanging information (driver's license, insurance, and contact) or helping the injured victim. In this case, the driver made a choice to flee the scene of the accident leaving a critically injured victim lying on the roadway. 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."

Claim for Compensation

In such cases, families of injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway caused or contributed to this accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

What are some of the most dangerous intersections 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.