Five pedestrians, including two adults and three teenagers, were hospitalized after a hit-and-run collision in the Westlake area of Los Angeles on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the crash at approximately 7:30 p.m. in the 2300 block of West Eighth Street near MacArthur Park.
All five pedestrians, identified as family, were struck by a vehicle under unclear circumstances. The victims were transported to a hospital, where four were listed in fair condition and one in serious condition.
The driver involved in the collision fled the scene before authorities arrived, and the incident is under investigation.
Contact The Trusted Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys In Los Angeles, CA
It is beneficial and ideal to seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney if you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident due to another person’s negligence.
Our renowned hit-and-run accident lawyers provide free initial consultations. During these consultations, we assess the specific circumstances of your case, explain the legal procedures involved, and consider essential factors that could impact the potential compensation you may be eligible to receive.
You can rely on the legal advice of our award-winning Los Angeles hit-and-run accident lawyers at Arash Law, under Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help you with your insurance claim or represent you in court proceedings effectively. We’re one of California’s most respected and biggest personal injury law firms, having recovered over $500 Million in compensation for accident victims and their families. We can also help you obtain additional information or a police report if needed.
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.
Steps To Take After A Hit-And-Run Accident In Los Angeles, CA
There are specific measures you can take to safeguard your rights to obtain compensation following a hit-and-run accident. Not only can they help authorities apprehend the driver, but they can also support your claim for maximum compensation. These actions include:
- Gather As Much Information As You Can While At The Scene Of The Accident – Make sure to note the license plate number, as well as the make, model, and color of the vehicle that hit you or your car. If possible, take a few photos of the vehicle involved. This information will be crucial in identifying and locating the vehicle involved in your case.
- Contact The Authorities As Soon As You Can – The sooner you notify the police about the collision, the quicker they can apprehend the motorist. Moreover, when you contact the police, you create an official incident record. In a few days, you can request a collision report from either the police station that handled it or through the California DMV. This document will help you when you file a claim later.
- Obtain The Names And Contact Information Of Any Individuals Who May Have Witnessed The Incident – Keep in mind that witnesses to an accident may stay to check on your well-being, but often leave once the police and ambulance arrive. It’s essential to quickly gather their names and contact information. Witnesses can play a critical role in your case, for example, by verifying that the other vehicle hit your car, not the other way around.
- Seek Prompt Medical Care – It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible to assess any injuries you may have. Following the recommended treatment plan is essential for your recovery. Additionally, visiting a doctor ensures detailed documentation of your injuries, which can be valuable when filing a claim.
- Notify Your Insurance Carrier About The Accident – While it is important to do this task quickly, it is also crucial to ensure that you only focus on the facts. Remember, you are not required to acknowledge or assign any blame. In addition, it is advisable to refrain from providing a recorded statement or agreeing to a settlement until you have consulted with lawyers specializing in hit-and-run accidents in California.
- Consult Our Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers – If you’re unsure, give us a call at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, assist with insurance communication, and help you file a personal injury claim if needed. Our experienced California hit-and-run accident lawyers are here to guide and support you through the process.
Hit-And-Run Accident Statistics
A recent study by ValuePenguin revealed that the increase in fatal hit-and-run incidents between 2012 and 2021 has vastly outpaced the overall rise in deadly crashes during the same period.
In 2021 alone (the most recent data available), 2,783 fatal crashes involved hit-and-runs—an 89.4% increase from the 1,469 incidents recorded in 2012. Comparatively, the total number of fatal crashes only rose by 27.4% over the same 10-year span.
California had the highest percentage of fatal crashes caused by hit-and-runs over the last decade, with 10.1% of its deadly crashes involving such incidents. Nevada followed at 8.5%, with New Mexico at 7.8%. Meanwhile, Wyoming (1.1%), Maine (1.3%), and New Hampshire (1.4%) reported the lowest shares.
Hit-and-runs were more likely to occur at night, with 9.5% of fatal nighttime crashes between 2012 and 2021 involving hit-and-runs, compared to just 2.7% during the daytime. Over this period, 77.3% of all deadly hit-and-runs occurred at night.
Pedestrians were most often the victims of fatal hit-and-runs, with over 60% of incidents involving them. Specifically, 62.8% of deadly hit-and-runs from 2012 to 2021 involved pedestrians, and pedestrian fatalities increased by 53.7% during that time.