Police are seeking eyewitnesses in a Los Angeles car accident, which seriously injured two girls, ages 14 and 3. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the teenager and her young niece were crossing Main Street near 43rd Street in South Los Angeles, when a vehicle hit them the evening of December 28, 2009. Both girls sustained major injuries. Police apparently have video footage of the accident and the girls being struck. Authorities describe the driver as a woman, driving an older two-door sedan. The suspect vehicle may have damage on the right front side. If you witnessed this hit-and-run accident or have any information, please contact LAPD at 213-972-1845.

My heart goes out to both these girls and their families. The footage is graphic and heartbreaking. Given the impact of the collision, it's a miracle that these girls have survived. I hope and pray that these girls make a quick and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

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

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Anyone who looks at this video can see that the driver of the vehicle did not even stop for an instant. The driver struck the pedestrians with full force and did not even stop to look. This person just kept going! I truly hope this hit-and-run suspect is apprehended and brought to justice.

Leaving the scene of an accident is not only immoral and irresponsible, but it is also a serious crime under California law. 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 driver must stop at the scene – irrespective of whose fault the accident may have been.

Contacting an Experienced Injury Lawyer

In any case, where victims have been seriously injured, it would be in their families' best interests to contact a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure their rights are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their own car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run accident or to an incident 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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