Semaj Spencer, 14, was struck and killed in a Los Angeles County hit-and-run pedestrian accident early morning on August 2, 2009, the Daily Breeze reports. Semaj was reportedly hit on Imperial Highway near Crenshaw Boulevard in Inglewood, California. The teenager was apparently knocked out of his shoes and dragged about 50 feet by the vehicle, which is believed to be a dark red Ford Focus. The driver sped away.

Tragic Los Angeles Car Accident

My heart goes out to Penny and Jerry Hoover, parents of Semaj Spencer, for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. Penny Hoover has sent out an impassioned plea in the media for the driver to surrender to the authorities. I hope and pray that occurs, but if it doesn't, I hope those who witnessed this fatal car accident or have any information about the suspect vehicle or driver, will come forward with more information. Semaj's family will certainly be in my prayers.

Officials are now looking for a dark red Ford Focus with tinted windows with major front-end damage. Anyone with information about this fatal Los Angeles car accident is asked to contact Inglewood police officials at 310-412-5134.

California Hit-and-Run Laws

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 65 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Inglewood. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 210 deaths and 5,095 injuries were reported in 2007 as a result of pedestrian accidents.

Leaving the scene of a car accident is a serious crime in California. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "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."

Semaj Spencer's family would be well-advised to contact a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who has experience in analyzing and successfully pursuing hit-and-run cases. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased personal injury victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim, which seeks compensation to cover medical/funeral expenses, loss of earnings (if applicable), loss of love or companionship and other damages.