Ricardo Sandoval, 33, was killed in a Los Angeles County hit-and-run bicycle accident the afternoon of July 10, 2009, the Press Telegram reports. Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Century Station are seeking the public's help to find a driver who they say struck and killed Ricardo Sandoval at Wright Road and Duncan Avenue in Lynwood. The suspect vehicle then took off. It is described only as a black car, which was last seen going east on Wright. The vehicle apparently dragged Sandoval's body about 50 feet before driving away. Sandoval died from critical injuries suffered in this bicycle accident the following day. If you witnessed the Los Angeles car accident or have any information about the suspect, please call Detective Jason Paar at 323-568-4000.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Ricardo Sandoval for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to them. Please keep them in your prayers. I also hope that this hit-and-run driver who so heartlessly struck and left this father of two dying on the road, will soon be apprehended and brought to justice.

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but nine injuries occurred involving bicycle accidents in Lynwood. In Los Angeles County, 27 deaths and 2,902 injuries were reported in 2007 as a result of bicycle accidents.

Based on this news report, it's not clear exactly how this car-bicycle accident took place at this Los Angeles County intersection. No matter whose fault this collision was, there is no question that the motorist should have stopped and rendered aid to Sandoval. California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Ricardo Sandoval's family would be well advised to consult with an experienced Los Angeles County bicycle accident attorney who will fight for their rights and make sure they receive compensation for their enormous loss. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased accident victims may be able to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of earnings, loss of companionship and related damages. A skilled Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will advise families how the uninsured/underinsured motorist clause in their car insurance policy will apply to a hit-and-run accident or in a case where the at-fault driver has little or no car insurance coverage.

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