Lisette Medrano, 33, Seriously Injured In Bell Gardens Hit-And-Run Car Accident With Work Truck Along Eastern Avenue —> GoFundMe Created To Help Victim
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (April 13, 2022) – A woman identified as Lisette Medrano was critically injured in a Bell Gardens hit-and-run truck accident by Eastern Avenue.
Los Angeles County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 1:44 a.m. on Saturday. Lisette Medrano had just left a friend’s house when she approached the driver’s side of her parked car.
A truck struck the victim and then fled the scene of the collision. A Bell Gardens patrol officer found Lisette Medrano in the road bleeding from her head.
Emergency Medical Services were called to the scene of the collision in order to help her. She was taken to the hospital with major injuries including broken legs, broken ribs and collapsed lungs.
You can help support the victim as she recovers through GoFundMe. According to the fundraiser organized by Erika Perez, “I am fundraising for my cousin Lisette Medrano. Lisette is 33 years old, she was a victim of a hit and run on Saturday 4/9/22 at about 1:45am. and left to bleed out. She is currently in critical condition. She has undergone 5 surgeries.”
Liability In Bell Gardens Hit-And-Run Truck Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year due to the reckless actions of hit-and-run drivers. According to Value Penguin, “California experienced the largest share of fatal hit-and-runs in this period. The number of Golden State crashes accounted for 17% of the U.S. total, with 2,948 crashes causing 3,056 deaths.” Most hit-and-run collisions tend to happen in the early morning hours and late evening when visibility is reduced. There are a number of factors that could contribute to a hit-and-run collision.
- Dimly lit roadways
- Inclement weather, especially fog
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Driver intoxication
It is illegal to flee the scene of any collision that results in bodily injury or death. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 20001, the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in bodily injury or death to a person, other than himself or herself, shall stop their vehicle at the scene of the collision. Fleeing the scene of a collision may result in criminal as well as civil liability. Many drivers will try to claim that they didn’t realize they hit someone. But there are ways to tell that a driver hit someone and then consciously fled. For example, skid marks in the roadway or a driver engaging their brakes can show they were trying to prevent a crash.
Depending on the specific facts of any case, liability for a truck accident could extend beyond the negligent driver. For example, if the driver that fled the scene of the collision was working their employer could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as the employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. Pickup trucks are often used for commercial purposes such as landscaping or construction. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any hit-and-run collision.
- Surveillance footage of the crash should be sought.
- Fragments of the fleeing vehicle should be examined.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
Most commercial trucks in California will need $750,000 – $5,000,000 worth of liability coverage. Any person that is injured in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A pedestrian accident attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are. There are, however, statute of limitations associated with civil claims. Failing to act within the statute of limitations may result in a permanent forfeiture of your rights.
Investigating A Bell Gardens Hit-And-Run Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our best wishes to Lisette Medrano as she continues to recover. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. This was a tragic accident that should have never taken place. The driver responsible for this crash should do the right thing and turn themselves in.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Bell Gardens hit-and-run collision? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any legal questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
