Los Angeles Hit and Run Pedestrian Crashes Claim Two Lives
Drivers in Southern California are responsible for more pedestrians and cyclist deaths compared to the rest of the nation, according to recent research from University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. One look at recent headlines in the greater Los Angeles area and it’s easy to see the source of these disturbing traffic safety statistics.
Many victims are not aware of their legal rights to compensation in hit-and-run accidents, and never pursue litigation. If you or a family member has been struck by a vehicle and suffered personal injury, a knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your options for legal recourse. A practiced Los Angeles hit and run lawyer at Ellis Law can examine the circumstances surrounding your injuries to see if you have a viable claim for damages.
Our legal team knows that despite stringent legislation designed to protect cyclists and pedestrians in California, motorists will still drive recklessly, use excess speed and disobey traffic laws, putting innocent people at risk for severe injury or even death.
Two hit and run pedestrian fatalities in January
Los Angeles and Orange County were the scenes of recent hit and run accidents that claimed the lives of two pedestrians – 23-year-old Travis Martin and 39-year-old Treva Arnold. Martin, according to his father, had been visiting with friends in the Newport Beach area over the holiday. Around 3 AM on New Year’s Day, Martin was walking along Pacific Coast Highway, close to Newport Coast Road, when he was hit by an unidentified vehicle. According to police reports, he was killed instantly. After the police call went out, officials found a taxi cab with front end damage that correlated with the hit and run crash. The driver of the cab, Ronald Lloyd Avlies, was booked and held on $50,000 bail.
Just three days later on January 4th, Treva Arnold was walking along Slauson Avenue near Denker Avenue in the early hours of the morning when she was struck by motorist who then fled the scene. She was later pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Eye witnesses who saw the incident tell police that the car was heading eastbound, and was either silver or tan colored. The vehicle – which was described as a compact car – likely has damage to the windshield and front end. LAPD are asking that anyone who has additional information about the accident to please contact authorities immediately.
The grim reality is that pedestrians who do survive a hit and run accident are usually left with such incapacitating injuries they are unable to work for long periods of time. Physical recovery often lasts many months or even years, and victims are often saddled with emotional trauma and lifelong disabilities that can hinder the ability to lead a normal life. Establishing fault in such accidents is no easy task, and one that requires the skill and expertise of Los Angeles Personal Injury lawyers with a strong track record of success. Even if the decedent was jaywalking, families may still have a case against a negligent driver.
Expert advice from Los Angeles hit and run lawyers
Ellis Law has been helping injury victims and their families throughout Southern California for more than 20 years and has collected more than $100 million on behalf of our clients. Contact our office to arrange a free legal consultation to determine if you are eligible to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Los Angeles. You can reach us by phone toll-free at 310-641-3335.