A car accident in Los Angeles County involving a hit-and-run driver proved fatal for a woman the night of February 3, 2012. The Los Angeles Daily News reports that the injury hit-and-run crash occurred when the woman was walking on the paved roadway on Orchard Village Road near Dalbey Drive in Valencia. She was struck from behind by 68-year-old Jonathan Anker who fled the scene of the crash. He was later identified as the hit-and-run driver and booked on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family members and friends of this hit-and-run car accident victim. They will be in my prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

There were 179 deaths and 4,918 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles County, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Santa Clarita, one person died and 41 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of the Crash

Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), it is illegal to leave the scene of the crash. Under the law, drivers are required to stop immediately, remain at the scene until authorities arrive, exchange information with other parties and most importantly, administer aid to the injured victims. However, in this case, the driver struck the woman, left her lying on the roadway without care or medical attention and drove away. Appalling! I’m relieved to note that the driver was arrested.

Claim for Compensation

It would be in the best interests of victims’ families in such cases to contact a skilled Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will help protect their legal rights and best interests. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway such as the lack of sidewalks for pedestrians caused or contributed to this accident. If that is determined to be the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.