A woman who sustained fatal injuries in a hit-and-run Los Angeles car accident early morning on January 15, 2010, has been identified by local officials as Charmmaine Ouk, 25. According to a KPCC news report, Ouk was riding in a car driven by someone else, when she became ill and got out of the vehicle in an alley. She then ran onto Normandie Avenue near 204th Street in the Harbor Gateway area. That's when a gray or brown minivan struck her. The driver fled the scene of the crash. The hit-and-run vehicle was last seen going northbound on Normandie. Anyone who saw this accident is asked to call LAPD officials at 323-290-6063.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Charmmaine Ouk for their devastating loss. They will be in my prayers

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

There were 90 fatalities and 2,690 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles, according to California Highway Patrol's 2007 traffic accident statistics. In Los Angeles County as a whole, pedestrian accidents claimed 210 lives and injured 5,095 people in 2007.

Hit-and-Run Laws

I sincerely hope that the hit-and-run suspect in this case is apprehended and brought to justice. 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." This is the law whether or not the motorist believes the accident is his or her fault. Drivers who are involved in accidents are required to exchange information with other parties including identification, driver's license information and contact information. They are also required to do what they can to ensure that the injured victim gets prompt medical attention.

An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help

In such cases, the victim's family could benefit from a consultation with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will provide them with more information about their legal rights and options. In pedestrian accident cases, a skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable as well. According to California Government Code 911.2, any such claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

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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