Four people were injured, three critically, in a Los Angeles car accident after a hit-and-run driver went on a rampage involving several vehicles. According to a report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the hit-and-run collision occurred the morning of February 4, 2012 in Woodland Hills. Police say the incident began shortly after 11:30 a.m. when a red Chrysler Sebring heading east on Ventura rear-ended a minivan twice. The Chrysler then sped down the street and rear-ended a black Mercedes, which spun into an oncoming Toyota Avalon.

The Toyota was crushed trapping the driver inside. Two people in the Chrysler, about 60 and 40 years old, suffered head injuries and a crushed chest. The driver of the Toyota, a 47-year-old man, and the driver of the Mercedes, a 20-year-old man, were also injured. Officials say the driver of the Chrysler was attempting to flee the scene of a hit-and-run when he struck the other vehicles. An investigation is still ongoing. Charges are pending against the driver.

My heart goes out to all the injured victims of this hit-and-run car accident. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Los Angeles Car Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 227 fatalities and 25,043 injuries involving Los Angeles car accidents. Countywide, 554 people died and 50,817 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Violation of Laws

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Chrysler was driving at a high rate of speed and was also fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run collision when he crashed into the other vehicles. California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property."

Leaving the scene of a car accident is also a serious crime under California law. California Vehicle Code Section 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."

Compensation for Injured Victims

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, injured victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims and their families.