A teenaged boy was killed on Saturday evening after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in South Los Angeles. According to KTLA news, the 18-year-old boy was one of four teenagers crossing Crenshaw Boulevard near 77th Street at about 6:15 p.m. when the incident occurred. The driver who simply sped away from the scene is believed to have been driving a black Mercedes Benz. The victim was taken to UCLA Medical Center was he was later pronounced dead. Neighbors in the area describe Crenshaw Boulevard between 76th and 80th Streets as a "raceway" as there is a five-block span within which there are no stops. The driver is still on the loose, and anyone with information regarding the accident should contact the Los Angeles Police Department at 800-222-8477.
The Scene of the Hit-and-Run Accident
The area where this tragic accident happened is indeed on a stretch of road that is flat, straight and there are no traffic stops for drivers on Crenshaw for some distance. The intersection of Crenshaw and 77th Street is not controlled by a light or stop sign, however, the law considers this intersection to include an "unmarked" crosswalk, an area where pedestrians can lawfully cross the street. It is not known whether the four pedestrians were within a marked or an unmarked crosswalk at the time of the impact. Regardless of their location, the hit-and-run occurred at about 6:15 p.m. when it was still light outside, and it is hard to imagine any excuse for a driver to hit someone who had to be visible. There are no apparent obstructions to the view of a driver traveling on Crenshaw, and since the driver of the Mercedes fled the scene this likely shows his "consciousness of guilt." When someone flees the scene of an accident or a crime the jury is often instructed that this conduct may reflect guilt.
How This Crime Might be Solved
It is not uncommon today for even small businesses to have constant video surveillance on their property. In the area of this accident there are a number of small businesses that may have had a camera filming, at least in part, the roadway. Since there were at least three witnesses to the collision and the precise time of the accident is known, the police may be able to gather substantial eyewitness and video evidence against the hit-and-run driver. In addition to that, there may well be forensic evidence such as debris from the Mercedes and damage to the vehicle that may help LAPD identify the responsible party.
If you have been injured or a loved one killed in a hit-and-run accident, an auto accident attorney with experience at handling such cases may be able to assist you in recovery compensation for the injuries and damages sustained.
SOURCE: Teen Dies After Being Struck in South L.A. Hit-and-Run, KTLA News, July 21, 2013, by John A. Moreno
The Scene of the Hit-and-Run Accident
The area where this tragic accident happened is indeed on a stretch of road that is flat, straight and there are no traffic stops for drivers on Crenshaw for some distance. The intersection of Crenshaw and 77th Street is not controlled by a light or stop sign, however, the law considers this intersection to include an "unmarked" crosswalk, an area where pedestrians can lawfully cross the street. It is not known whether the four pedestrians were within a marked or an unmarked crosswalk at the time of the impact. Regardless of their location, the hit-and-run occurred at about 6:15 p.m. when it was still light outside, and it is hard to imagine any excuse for a driver to hit someone who had to be visible. There are no apparent obstructions to the view of a driver traveling on Crenshaw, and since the driver of the Mercedes fled the scene this likely shows his "consciousness of guilt." When someone flees the scene of an accident or a crime the jury is often instructed that this conduct may reflect guilt.
How This Crime Might be Solved
It is not uncommon today for even small businesses to have constant video surveillance on their property. In the area of this accident there are a number of small businesses that may have had a camera filming, at least in part, the roadway. Since there were at least three witnesses to the collision and the precise time of the accident is known, the police may be able to gather substantial eyewitness and video evidence against the hit-and-run driver. In addition to that, there may well be forensic evidence such as debris from the Mercedes and damage to the vehicle that may help LAPD identify the responsible party.
If you have been injured or a loved one killed in a hit-and-run accident, an auto accident attorney with experience at handling such cases may be able to assist you in recovery compensation for the injuries and damages sustained.
SOURCE: Teen Dies After Being Struck in South L.A. Hit-and-Run, KTLA News, July 21, 2013, by John A. Moreno
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