A female pedestrian was injured after a hit-and-run collision in San Pedro, Los Angeles, on Sunday night, October 1, 2023.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the incident occurred at a Target parking lot near North Gaffey Street and West Capitol Drive shortly before 9:30 p.m.
Authorities responded to a child custody dispute that turned into a police pursuit. A woman in her 30s got into a U-Haul pickup truck after contact with the officers and fled the scene, hitting another woman in the process.
At least one police officer opened fire on the truck as the woman fled westbound while others pursued. Eventually, the suspect crashed into a tree near an intersection.
The female pedestrian was treated for unspecified injuries at the scene and released. The U-Haul driver had no gunshot wounds and suffered minor injuries. She was taken to a local hospital after being arrested.
Further details on the crash have yet to be released by the authorities.
Dedicated Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles, CA
A hit-and-run accident should be pursued through the legal system for compensation and justice. You may file a lawsuit or submit an insurance claim.
Serious injuries and property damage may result from others’ negligence or indifference. If this is the case, you may benefit from the assistance of a personal injury lawyer.
Contact our experienced legal team today for a free consultation. We will thoroughly examine your case and advise you on how to proceed.
You can count on the advice of our trusted Los Angeles hit-and-run accident attorneys at Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who can help you with your claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings.
Our firm has recovered over $750 Million for California clients and is widely acknowledged for its success and reputation as one of California’s most beloved personal injury law firms.
If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.
What to Do After A Hit-and-Run Accident in Los Angeles
While the at-fault driver may have fled the scene, it does not mean they cannot be found. You can help the authorities find and detain the hit-and-run driver by following the steps below. You can also use this information to improve your case if you file a lawsuit for damages. The following guidelines can help you if you are the victim of a hit-and-run:
- Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Move to a safe location away from traffic.
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Be sure to inform the dispatcher that it’s a hit-and-run.
- Write down as many details as possible about the fleeing vehicle, including its make, model, color, license plate number (even a partial plate can be helpful), and any distinctive features.
- Obtain the contact information of the witnesses. They may have seen the accident and be willing to provide statements to the police.
- Take photos of the scene of the accident, your vehicle, and any visible injuries. These can serve as evidence later.
- Report the hit-and-run to the local police and provide them with all your information about the other vehicle.
- Contact your insurance company to report the accident. They can guide you on the next steps for filing a claim.
- Get medical help immediately, even if you think you don’t need it. Complications may arise later on.
- Preserve any evidence of the accident, such as damaged clothing or personal belongings. This could be important for your claim.
- Consult a hit-and-run attorney in California. They can help you navigate the legal process and maximize your chances of compensation.
Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics
In the United States, leaving the scene of an accident without assisting the victims or reporting it to the authorities is illegal and unethical.
According to a report, from 2010 to 2019, 3,056 people in California lost their lives due to 2,948 recorded deadly hit-and-run collisions. California has one of the highest fatality rates out of all states.
About 737,100 accidents involving hit-and-run drivers were reported in 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This equates to roughly one hit-and-run accident occurring every 43 seconds in the United States. The record number of people killed in hit-and-run accidents occurred in 2016, with 2,049.