Teacher Tragically Killed in Hit-amd-Run Accident Near Long Beach City College

A math teacher at an Orange County community college was killed in a hit-and-run accident on Wednesday morning.  According to the Long Beach Press Telegram, the victim of the accident has been identified as 47-year-old Elane Logay, a part-time instructor at Santa Ana City College.  The accident happened at about 11:15 a.m. at the intersection of  Carson Street and Clark Avenue near Long Beach City College.  The driver of the hit-and-run vehicle, 21 year-old Mario Palafox, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide, felony hit-and-run and driving without a license.  Logay, a mother of two children, was in the first of three vehicles Palafox struck while waiting in line in the left-turn lane.  Immediately after the accident, Palafox fled on foot only to be captured a short time later at Long Beach City College.  Anyone with information regarding the accident is asked to contact the Long Beach Police Department, Det. David Lauro, at 562-570-7355.

Cause of the Accident and Negligent Entrustment

It would appear the cause for the accident above and the tragic death of the mother of two children was solely the fault of the hit-and-run driver.  However, that may not be the whole story as there may be additional parties who may also share responsibility.  For example, since Palafox apparently had no license, it will have to be determined whether someone else owned the vehicle he was driving and whether that person negligently entrusted their vehicle to an unlicensed driver.  Under the law in California,  in order to prove negligent entrustment, it must be proven that the driver was negligent, the defendant owned the vehicle involved in the accident, the entrusting party knew or should have known the driver was incompetent or unfit to drive, the owner allowed the careless driver to use the vehicle and the driver 's incompetence or unfitness to drive was a "substantial factor" in causing the accident.   Given that Palafox fled the scene and was apparently unlicensed at the time of the accident, it would seem the vehicle owner (if not Palafox) would likely be in trouble if they loaned him their car.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious or fatal accident, a free consultation with an injury attorney may help you understand your rights and whether you may have a valid claim against a driver or the vehicle owner.  

SOURCE:  Long Beach woman killed in hit-and-run near LBCC is identified (updated), Long Beach Press Telegram, May 16, 2013

Gardena Hit-And-Run Accident Proves Fatal

A driver traveling westbound on Rosecrans Avenue in Gardena struck a pedestrian crossing the street on Sunday night.  According to KTLA news, the pedestrian, a woman who has yet to be identified, was hit by a grey, 4-door  Honda Civic that did not stop.  The victim was taken to a local hospital following the accident, but she later succumbed to her injuries.  The accident happened around 9 p.m. Saturday night on Rosecrans, between Budlong and Normandie avenues.

The vehicle may have front end damage and the driver's door is missing.  The Civic is believed to have been occupied by two passengers at the time of the accident.  The police have asked that anyone with information call them at (310) 217-6183 or (310) 217-6135.

See the KTLA news story and video HERE.

This type of accident is both tragic and frustrating.  The driver of the Civic had an obligation, regardless of fault, to stop at the scene of the accident and render assistance to the pedestrian.  It is entirely possible that if the driver had complied with their legal obligation, the pedestrian might have survived.  Under California law, the driver of a car involved in a collision must render to any person injured in the accident reasonable assistance, including transporting, or making arrangements for transporting, any injured person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary or if that transportation is requested by any injured person.

Compensation for the victims of hit and run accidents should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a driver negligently or recklessly causes an injury or fatal accident and then flees the scene, they should be held criminally and civilly accountable.  An Orange County personal injury lawyer with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  The first step in recovering compensation for the victim is to seek appropriate legal representation.  Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years of experience handling personal injury and wrongful death cases, including just this type.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a hit-and-run automobile accident?

• Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.

Pregnant Mother Killed in Victorville Hit-And-Run Accident

At about 10:30 p.m., Friday night, a 20 year-old mother was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Victorville.  According to news reports, the victim, Dejuan Rene Smith, was five months pregnant and pushing her 14-month-old daughter in a stroller when the accident occurred.  Smith was with her daughter on Balsam Avenue just north of Lone Eagle Street when a Ford truck hit her from behind, killing her and her unborn child.  Smith's daughter was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center with minor injuries and has since been released.

The driver of the truck sped off after hitting Smith.  According to authorities, the Ford truck should have damage to the right front side and should be missing the passenger mirror.  Anyone with information regarding the accident or the locations of the  truck is urged to contact authorities at 760-241-2911.

See the KTLA news story HERE.


From a Google Maps view of the accident area, it appears this deadly collision occurred in a residential neighborhood.  Balsam Avenue north of Lone Eagle is a four-lane roadway with clear limit lines on the edges of the road and a dirt shoulder on both sides.  Houses can be seen on the east side of Balsam, but it does not appear there are any street lights in the area of the accident.  From the article, it is unknown which side of the street Smith and her daughter were located at the time of the accident, and the point of impact will be very important in determining fault for the collision.  However, even assuming Smith, for whatever reason, had ventured into a travel lane, this would not excuse the hit-and-run driver from observing the pedestrians in time to avoid a collision.  The speed limit in the area is a posted 50 miles per hour, and the Ford truck's speed will likewise play a role in determining whether the driver should have had time to see, perceive and react to the situation in time to avoid a collision.  All issues of accident reconstruction aside, the driver's flight from the scene seems to indicate a consciousness of guilt, something that can be introduced as evidence in any civil or criminal proceeding.



Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by a hit-and-run driver, should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a driver negligently or recklessly causes a traffic accident and death results, the driver should be held accountable.  An Orange County auto accident attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, including those for wrongful death.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.


Has a loved one been killed in an automobile accident involving a hit-and-run driver?


Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case. 

Hit-and-Run Driver Badly Injures 68 Year-Old Woman

A hit-and-run accident early this morning left a 68 year-old woman with broken legs and in critical condition.   KTLA news has reported that police are searching for the driver of one vehicle who fled the scene on foot.  The accident occurred about 1 a.m. in the 12300 block of Riverside Drive between Whitsett and Laurelgrove Avenues in Los Angeles.  The force of the impact was so great it sent the cars airborne during the crash, before landing in the middle of the roadway.  The victim, who had to be cut out of her Honda Accord, was taken to Cedars Sinai Medical Center for the leg and perhaps neck and spine injuries.  The suspected hit-and-run driver left behind his Ford Fusion, apparently containing identifying information.

See the full KTLA news story HERE.

The hit-and-run driver involved in this collision will likely be apprehended and prosecuted, given the content of the news report.  The Fusion was not reported stolen, and apparently information left behind within the vehicle has given the police with sufficient evidence to identify the driver.  In addition, his flight from the scene is at least some indication of “consciousness of guilt” as far as causing this accident.  An reconstruction of the collision will likely be done, and that should lead to reasonable estimates of speed, direction and point of impact, allowing law enforcement to assign fault.  Of course, the standard of proof the prosecution will have to meet in any criminal case will be different than that in a civil case brought by the victim.  In a personal injury lawsuit, the woman injured would only have to prove that it was more likely than not the hit-and-run driver’s fault, as opposed to having to prove her case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Compensation for the victims of  hit and run accidents should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a driver negligently or intentionally causes a serious injury accident and then flees the scene, they should be held criminally and civilly accountable.  An Orange County personal injury lawyer with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  The first step in recovering compensation for the victim is to seek appropriate representation.  Mr. Ralph has 20 years years of experience handling personal injury and wrongful death cases, including just this type.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a hit-and-run automobile accident?

• Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above.  This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter.  A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.