Pedestrian Died In Pico-Union, Los Angeles Hit-And-Run Bus Accident By The Intersection of Pico Boulevard and Vermont Avenue
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (May 6, 2022) – A pedestrian has tragically died in a Pico-Union, Los Angeles hit-and-run car accident involving Metro bus by Pico Boulevard and Vermont Avenue.
Los Angeles County police officials are saying that the accident took place on Thursday night. A white compact car hit a pedestrian as they were trying to cross the street.
That driver fled the scene and is currently being sought by the LAPD. After that initial crash, the victim was then hit by a Metro bus.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the pedestrian. Despite life-saving measures, the pedestrian succumbed to their injuries.
Police officers also blocked off the intersection for several hours as they investigated.
Liability In Los Angeles Hit-And-Run Bus Accidents
Los Angeles has one of the highest instances of hit-and-run collisions in all of California. According to NBC Los Angeles, “A hit-and-run crash occurs about once every 18 minutes in Los Angeles, according to data analyzed by the NBC4 I-Team that illustrates the extent of a problem that has been called an “epidemic.”” Los Angeles has continued to grow in size over the years. Drivers must navigate around more and more pedestrians. There are a number of steps that can be taken in order to help reduce pedestrian collisions in Los Angeles.
- Intersections should be well-illuminated to make pedestrians easier to spot.
- Bridges or underground tunnels can direct pedestrians away from traffic.
- Drivers should slow down in heavily traffic pedestrian areas, especially at night.
It is illegal to flee the scene of an accident that causes bodily injury or death. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 20001, any driver involved in a collision resulting in injury or death to a person other than himself must remain at the scene. They must also exchange insurance information with the affected party. Fleeing the scene of a collision opens a driver to criminal and civil liability.
Bus companies are considered “common carriers” and are held to a very high standard in terms of safety. According to the Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instructions, common carriers must use the highest care and the vigilance of a very cautious person. They must do all that human care and foresight can reasonably do under the circumstances in order to avoid causing accidents. Serious traffic infractions can jeopardize a bus driver’s ability to maintain their CDL.
There is no reason that a bus driver should ever hit a pedestrian that is already in the middle of the roadway. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21954, all drivers must exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians in a roadway. The vast majority of pedestrian accidents are due to drivers that are distracted, speeding or not properly scanning the road ahead of them. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any bus accident.
- Surveillance footage of the intersection should be sought.
- Surveillance footage from within a bus should be sought.
- Logbook records of the bus driver should be examined.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
The family of any victim that died in a bus accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, bus companies will often fight hard to deny any responsibility if their driver kills someone. A Los Angeles bus accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Los Angeles Hit-And-Run Bus Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of the pedestrian killed in this hit-and-run collision in Pico-Union. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. The driver of the sedan that hit the victim should do the right thing and turn themselves in. It’s never too late to do the right thing.
Do you need more information about a Pico-Union hit-and-run bus accident? Our team of pedestrians 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 negligent drivers are held to account 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.
