Hit-and-run accidents are a common occurrence on the streets and freeways in Los Angeles. However, too often a driver who caused an accident attempts to avoid arrest by fleeing the scene of the accident. As previous posts here have noted, the victims of hit-and-run drivers often have difficulty recovering damages for their injuries because the identity of the runaway driver is unknown. A recent car accident in the Canoga Park area of Los Angeles provides a welcome exception to this scenario.
At about 3:00 a.m. on January 15police officers saw one vehicle crash into the rear end of another car at Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Saticoy Street. When the officers approached the vehicle that caused the collision to interview the driver, the driver attempted to escape in his car. He drove a short distance down Topanga Canyon Boulevard before running off the road and hitting several utility poles, mail boxes and parked cars. After coming to a stop, the driver continued his efforts to escape by running away on foot. After a short chase, officers were able to arrest the man and take him into custody. He was then taken to a nearby hospital.
The driver of the car that was rear-ended complained of back pain, but said that she would seek her own medical treatment. Police did not release the identity of the hit-and-run driver, but one police spokesperson said that the man had been critically injured in the collision.
Luckily for the driver of the car that was struck by the hit-and-run driver, her injuries may indeed be minimal. However, the severity of a back injury may not reveal itself for several hours or even days. Also, such injuries can be difficult to treat successfully. Anyone who has been injured in a rear-end collision should seek medical treatment. If a serious or permanent injury is diagnosed, the victim may wish to pursue a personal injury lawsuit to attempt to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering.
Source: Los Angeles Daily News, “Man in custody following Canoga Park hit-and-run crash, pursuit,” Brenda Gazzar, Jan. 15, 2016
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