A man was injured in a Los Angeles car accident after he was struck by a vehicle the night of July 19, 2010. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the injury collision occurred at the intersection of La Puente Road and Flemington Drive in Walnut. Officials found the man lying on the street. The driver who hit him did not stop. The pedestrian was trying to cross the road when he was struck. So far officials have not found anyone who witnessed this accident. A passerby apparently saw the injured pedestrian on the roadway and called authorities. An investigation is ongoing.

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My heart goes out to this injured pedestrian and his family. I hope he did not suffer major injuries in this crash. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. He will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 10 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Walnut. 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 Collision

In this particular case, it is not clear whether the injured pedestrian was in a marked crosswalk. California law states that motorists should yield right-of-way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks or at intersections. Drivers are also required to stop at the scene of an accident, regardless of whose fault the accident was. Leaving the scene of a crash or hit-and-run is a serious crime under California law.

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

I trust the hit-and-run driver in this case will soon be apprehended and brought to justice. Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how the uninsured/underinsured clause in their auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run collision or in an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

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.