When you are out walking in the Los Angeles or surrounding areas, you should not have to worry about getting hit by a driver. Unfortunately, we know pedestrian accidents happen regularly. At the Compass Law Group, we are ready to help. When you need a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer, our knowledgeable and experienced team is ready to get to work securing the compensation you need. Today, we want to talk about a recent hit-and-run that has left a man at risk of losing his legs.
A hit-and-run driver caused major injuries
We have learned that a recent crash in the city has caused a man to lose both legs. Just before midnight on August 17, a man was retrieving some items from the trunk of his vehicle on Beverly Boulevard when he was struck by another vehicle and had both of his legs pinned.
Witnesses say that the negligent driver put the car into reverse and fled the scene. Police found the vehicle about a mile away with the lights still on. The vehicle had serious front-end damage.
Police say the injured man will have permanent disfigurement and disabilities. “It would appear he lost both his legs,” said one eyewitness.
Pedestrian crashes are not uncommon in California
We have a populated state, and those numbers are added to by our many visitors. You would think that cities like Los Angeles would have found better ways to keep pedestrians safe by now. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, more than 15,000 pedestrians were injuries, and 811 were killed in traffic crashes during the latest reporting year.
Nearly every pedestrian crash results in an injury or a fatality. It is not uncommon for us to see the following after a pedestrian versus vehicle crash:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Bone fractures
- Loss of or damage to a bodily organ
- Dismemberment or amputation
- Other injuries that inhibit a person’s daily activities
- Significant disfigurement
While we do not know why the driver in our shared story fled the scene, we know hit-and-run drivers often flee due to them being intoxicated, having outstanding warrants, or driving a stolen vehicle.
During the latest reporting year in California, hit-and-run injury crashes increased (14,449 total) as did fatal hit-and-run crashes (217 total).
Let us help secure the compensation you need
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian crash that was caused by someone else’s reckless or careless behavior, please seek legal assistance immediately. At the Compass Law Group, our dedicated and skilled team is ready to get to work investigating what happened so we can secure the following:
- Coverage of your medical bills related to the crash
- Compensation for lost income if you cannot work
- Mental anguish damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against the negligent party
