A tragic car accident that happened in Los Angeles recently shows the danger that hit-and-run drivers pose to the public. A woman was killed and another person was critically injured by a driver who sped away from the scene.
CBSLA reports that the crash happened early in the morning rush hour. An SUV was driving south when it crashed into three other vehicles at an intersection. Police say the SUV driver was speeding and ran a red light just before it happened. The impact was so violent that the two people inside one of the vehicles, a Honda, were trapped inside.
California law requires all drivers involved in a car accident to remain at the scene. But instead of stopping and calling for help, the SUV driver drove away. Witnesses apparently saw the vehicle go into a nearby alley and onto another street. Police believe the driver and his passenger stole the SUV.
Someone called 911, and rescue crews from the fire department rushed to the scene. The Honda driver was declared dead at the scene. Her passenger was still alive. EMTs took him to the hospital, where he was in critical condition as of Oct. 5.
By running away, making things even worse
We may never know if the driver would have lived had the driver who caused the wreck had called for help. It appears that a witness or someone in one of the other two vehicles called 911. But in many hit-and-run crashes, there are only two vehicles and two drivers involved. The victim may be unconscious or physically unable to dial their phone.
Every second is critical in an emergency situation. When a negligent driver flees the scene, they might compound their mistake by delaying emergency medical intervention. If they are later caught, their victims (or their families) can take them to court for financial compensation.
