James Ledford Died In Los Angeles Hit-And-Run Collision By The Intersection of 61st Street and Wall Street
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (October 31, 2022) – A 72-year-old bicyclist identified as James Ledford died in a Los Angeles hit-and-run car accident by the intersection of 61st Street and Wall Street.
Los Angeles police officials are saying that the accident took place around 11:00 p.m. on Saturday. James Ledford was riding a bicycle when he was hit by a GMC Savana with some type of roof rack.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Sadly, James Ledford died as a result of his injuries.
Police are still searching for the driver that fled the scene of the collision.
Liability For Los Angeles Hit-And-Run Car Accidents
California has one of the highest instances of hit-and-run collisions in the United States. According to Value Penguin, “The number of Golden State crashes accounted for 17% of the U.S. total, with 2,948 crashes causing 3,056 deaths. Texas and Florida also logged more than 1,000 fatal hit-and-runs (1,965 and 1,739, respectively), with each state’s fatality count rising over the 10 years.” There are a number of factors that could contribute to a hit-and-run collision including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Driver fatigue
- Poor road conditions
All drivers have a legal obligation to constantly scan the road ahead of them. Many collisions are due to drivers that are speeding. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22350, no person shall drive a motor vehicle at a speed greater than would be reasonable or safe given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. If a driver fails to slow down and hits a bicyclist, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Any driver that flees the scene of an injury collision could also face criminal penalties for their actions.
If the driver of a vehicle was working a the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. In general, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a driver may have been transporting material to some construction site. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any hit-and-run collision.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Surveillance footage should be examined.
- Fragments of the fleeing vehicle should be sought.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
It can be difficult to know where to begin after any hit-and-run collision. But it is important to remember that accident victims do have rights. The family of any person that is killed in a car accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that can come with a fatal collision. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case free of cost and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Los Angeles Hit-And-Run Car Accidents
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of James Ledford. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. The driver responsible for this crash should do the right thing and turn themselves in. It is never too late to do the right thing.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Los Angeles hit-and-run collision? Our team of bicycle safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about any accident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
