A female pedestrian who was struck and killed in a Los Angeles car accident while crossing a South Los Angeles road has been identified as 62-year-old Annette Marie Carter. Los Angeles police say the fatal pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of Normandie Avenue and West Adams Boulevard the night of January 3, 2010. The driver who hit Carter fled the scene of the crash. Witnesses say they saw the hit-and-run vehicle speeding north on Normandie. Police say the suspect vehicle was possibly a black Toyota Corolla driven by a man. Anyone with information about this accident is asked to call LAPD at 323-290-6063 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Annette Marie Carter for their tragic loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to them. They will be in my prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles

There were 90 fatalities and 2,690 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles, according to CHP's 2007 traffic accident statistics. Countywide, 210 deaths and 5,095 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year. Also, in Los Angeles County, 712 fatalities and 56,475 injuries occurred due to car accidents in 2007.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is not clear where exactly the woman was walking at the time of the accident? Was she in a crosswalk or on traffic lanes? Was she crossing at an intersection? It is important also, to find out if the driver was operating the vehicle recklessly or in a state of intoxication. I hope this hit-and-run suspect is apprehended and brought to justice.

There is no excuse, however, for striking a pedestrian and leaving them injured on the roadway. California law requires drivers to remain at the scene of the crash. Even if they were not at fault for the accident, but leave the scene, they could be charged with hit-and-run. California Vehicle Code section 20001 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."

It would be in the best interests of victims and families in such cases, to consult an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will be able to better explain their legal rights and options. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether there was a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to the accident. Please remember that any claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.