Los Angeles is not well known as a destination for pedestrians. Even the wide sidewalks of Hollywood do not feel adequate when cars are racing by and trying to sneak past red lights. Walkers have to be on the defensive — but that may not be enough to protect themselves from irresponsible drivers.
An accident in the Fairfax section of the city cost the life of a pedestrian. The incident happened two hours after sunset on a recent evening when a 27-year-old driver on Melrose Avenue struck another car as it attempted a left turn after approaching from the other direction.
The force of the collision pushed the turning car off the road onto the sidewalk, where it ran down a person standing on the corner of the sidewalk. Bystanders attempted to resuscitate the victim before emergency medical services arrived, but they were unable to prevent death.
The driver that initially hit the car remained at the scene, where police arrested him on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter. A report from the Los Angeles Police Department says he may have been driving under the influence of alcohol.
Pedestrian victims of car accidents and the survivors of fatalities on the road have the right to claim financial damages from the responsible parties even if criminal charges are not pressed by authorities. These may be required to reimburse medical expenses or begin to replace the loss of income or companionship caused by a fatal accident.
An attorney can help the people affected by these collisions. Legal representation can be very helpful in civil court while pursuing a jury verdict or settlement.
