Police in Los Angeles are looking for a hit-and-run driver who they say struck and killed 28-year-old Judy Ramos early morning on July 19, 2009. According to a CBS News report, Ramos was fatally injured in the Los Angeles car accident, which occurred on Vaughn Street near Glenoaks Boulevard in Pacoima. Ramos was trying to cross the street when she was hit by a white, four-door vehicle, LAPD officials say. Apparently, the driver did not stop and took off after hitting Ramos. She died the day after the accident. If you have any information about this fatal hit-and-run pedestrian accident, please call LAPD's Valley Traffic Division at 818-644-8021.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Judy Ramos for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Ramos. Please keep them in your prayers.

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 the city of Los Angeles. In Los Angeles County, 210 fatalities and 5,095 injuries were reported in 2007 as a result of pedestrian accidents.

In this particular case, I certainly hope the hit-and-run driver is soon apprehended and brought to justice. California law requires motorists to stop at an accident scene, whether or not the accident is their fault. Hit-and-run or leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime. California motorists are required to exchange identification, contact and insurance information with the other parties. In cases that involve other injured victims, motorists are required to get them help, even if it just means calling 911.

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."

The family of Judy Ramos would be well-advised to consult an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will stay on top of the investigation and make sure the family's rights and interests are protected. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims may seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, loss of companionship and other related damages.

A skilled Los Angeles car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on that Los Angeles roadway caused or contributed to this fatal pedestrian accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

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