SOUTH LOS ANGELES, CA (June 17, 2022) – A 42-year-old woman fleeing from police in a stolen car struck and killed a pedestrian in South Los Angeles according to CBS News.
The Los Angeles Police Department initiated a pursuit of a 1987 Toyota Avalon after learning it was stolen. The pursuit started around 12:30 a.m. on Central Avenue.
LAPD officers decided to disengage from the pursuit to allow helicopters to follow the stolen vehicle instead. However, neither the officers nor aerial crew were close enough to see the accident when it happened. Officers on the ground were about four blocks away from the site of the collision when it happened.
As the woman in the stolen car continued driving, she struck a pedestrian crossing the street around Central Avenue and 71st Street.
The impact caused the victim to sever a leg and was pushed more than 20 yards after impacting the Toyota’s windshield.
Authorities are withholding the victim’s identity, but is said to be identified as a man in his 20s.
The woman driving the stolen car sustained some injuries in the accident, and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment before being arrested.
Liability In Los Angeles Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “An estimated 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal crash-related injuries in 2017. Per trip, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash.” There are a number of factors that could lead to a pedestrian collision including:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Driver distraction
- Inclement weather
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. The family of any victim that died in a pedestrian collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A South L.A. Pedestrian Accident
We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim in this case. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys 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 assistance after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 395-7234.