[09-29-2022] Los Angeles County, CA – Man and Three Dogs Killed in a Tragic Hit-and-Run in Downtown Los Angeles

According to the authorities, a man and his three dogs were killed in a hit-and-run crash in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday morning, September 28, 2022.

The accident occurred shortly after 12:30 a.m. at the 5th Street and Hill Street intersection.

The victim and his dogs were crossing the street when a pick-up struck them, trapping them under the vehicle.

The driver also hit several cars near the scene of the crash before fleeing the scene.

The man and all of the dogs were killed on the spot. His identity is still unknown.

Neighbors in the area say that this section of Downtown LA is dangerous for traffic accidents. Many wondered if the unidentified victim was one of their neighbors, given that dog ownership is common in that part of town.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the suspect, believed to be in his 20s, had crashed a car near 7th and Hill Streets. He fled the accident scene, heading toward 5th and Hill Streets, where he hit the victim.

The same driver then crashed into more cars on Hill Street before fleeing the scene on foot.

Police arrested the suspect on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Statistics on Hit-and-Run Accidents

A hit-and-run accident is when a driver hits a pedestrian, cyclist, or another car and then leaves the scene without stopping to render aid or exchange information. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in all 50 states, but that doesn’t stop many drivers from doing it.

According to ValuePenguin, California accounted for 17% of all fatal hit-and-run crashes in the United States, the highest percentage of any state. From 2010 to 2019, there were 2,948 fatal hit-and-runs in California, resulting in 3,056 deaths. Both of these figures are higher than in any other state.

There are many reasons why drivers may choose to leave the scene of an accident. They may be intoxicated and afraid of being arrested. They may not have insurance or a valid driver’s license. Or they may simply be panicking and not thinking clearly. Regardless of the reason, hit-and-run accidents are dangerous for everyone involved.
If you’re caught after leaving the scene of an accident, you will likely face severe legal penalties. These include jail time, fines, driving license loss, and increased insurance rates. You may also have to pay restitution to the victim if they were injured in the accident.

Hit-and-run accidents are especially dangerous for victims because they may not receive prompt medical attention. If you’ve been hit by a car, try to get to a safe place and call 911 as soon as possible. If you cannot move, wait for someone to come to you. And if you see a hit-and-run accident happen, try to get a description of the car and its license plate number so that police can find the driver.

Los Angeles County Hit-and-Run Lawyers

Being the victim of a hit-and-run can be a confusing and frustrating experience. You may be left with property damage, costly repairs, and possibly even injuries, but the driver who caused the accident is nowhere to be found. Fortunately, you have legal options available to you.

If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, remain calm and try to get as much information about the other driver as possible, including their license plate number, make and model of their car, and a description of their appearance. Call the police and file a report.

Do not attempt to chase down the other driver yourself. This could put you in danger and hinder law enforcement’s efforts to apprehend the driver. After the accident, you’ll likely be dealing with insurance companies trying to lowball you on your claim or deny it altogether. Call a qualified attorney who has experience handling hit-and-run cases.

Arash Law’s hit-and-run lawyers in Los Angeles County will level the playing field and help ensure that you’re fairly compensated for your damages. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation, or arrange an appointment on our website.