Charmmaine Ouk, 25, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after a vehicle struck her when she got out of the car she was riding in, the morning on January 15, 2010. According to a news report on KPCC Radio's Web site, Ouk was a passenger in a car driven by another woman when she became sick and got out of the vehicle in an alley. She then apparently ran onto Normandie Avenue, near 204th Street, where she was struck by a gray or brown minivan whose driver did not stop. The van was last seen going north on Normandie in the Harbor Gateway area. If you witnessed this accident or have information about the suspect or the vehicle, please contact LAPD's South Traffic Division at 323-290-6063.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Charmmaine Ouk for their tragic and sudden loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved this woman. Please keep her in your prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 90 fatalities and 2,690 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles. Countywide, pedestrian accidents claimed 210 lives and injured 5,095 people during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Based on this news report, this incident occurred in an alley. We do not know what Ouk's condition or illness was at the time. That said, the driver of the minivan should have stopped at the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime in California. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "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."

The law requires motorists to remain at the scene whether or not the accident was their fault. Drivers who are involved in accidents are required to exchange information with other parties including identification, driver's license information and contact information. In accidents where injuries occur, drivers are also required under the law to try and obtain immediate assistance for the victim. It may be as simple as dialing 911 on your cell phone so the victim can receive prompt medical attention. In this particular case, the suspect did none of the above. I truly hope this individual is apprehended and brought to justice.

Getting the Help of an Experienced Injury Lawyer

Charmmaine Ouk's family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options in this case. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer should also advise them about how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run accident or in a case where the driver is uninsured or underinsured.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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