Police have arrested 74-year-old Michael Goldman in connection with a hit-and-run collision outside a West Hollywood restaurant, which has left 22-year-old Benjamin Zelman in a coma. According to a CBS News report, the college student was working his part-time job as a valet at the Koi Restaurant the night of May 19, 2010, when he was struck and critically injured by a yellow Volkswagen convertible near the intersection of Melrose Place and La Cienega Boulevard. Earlier this week, his mother Gerta Zelman offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. She also made a televised plea to the public for their help to find the driver.

A Long Road to Recovery

I'm relieved for the family that this suspect has been apprehended. If he is determined to be guilty, I trust he will receive the punishment he deserves. I sincerely hope Zelman wakes up from his coma and goes on to make a complete recovery. I hope he has not suffered catastrophic injuries. He and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Suspect Apprehended

It is not clear how exactly officials apprehended Goldman. But the $10,000 reward might have been incentive enough for the public to tip officials. The plea from the mother might have touched someone and led them to tip off police. Whatever led to this tip, this story proves that we don't have to let hit-and-run drivers get away with what they did.

Anyone can provide an anonymous tip. If you see something suspicious, hear something suspicious, or if you are a worker in a body shop who sees a suspicious-looking vehicle come in for repairs, you can help by picking up the phone and giving officials whatever information you have.

Claim for Compensation

In this particular case, Zelman is still in the hospital fighting for his life. I can only imagine that his medical bills would be astronomical. It could be months before he goes back to school, if he can ever go back to school again. His ability to earn a livelihood and support himself in the future is also a question at this point.

In such a situation, it would be in the family's best interests to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of this case, make sure their rights are protected and that the negligent parties are held accountable for their actions. In some cases, a skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental entity responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a California governmental agency must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

Do you believe that an anonymous tipping system will work better when it comes to hit-and-run accidents? Please visit our website, www.hitandrunreward.com for more information.

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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