As you know probably know, Woodland Hills personal injury attorney Barry P. Goldberg has declared war on Hit and Run accidents in the San Fernando Valley! As a virtual lifetime resident of the San Fernando Valley, Barry P. Goldberg, can no longer accept the almost daily news of tragic hit and run accidents. Therefore, Mr. Goldberg will continue to point out way to combat the problem and he will continue to aggressively represent injured victims of this callous crime.
Bicyclist Seriously Injured by Hit and Run Driver in North Hollywood
Okay. The Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division are requesting OUR help to identify and arrest the hit and run suspect that mowed down an innocent bicyclist near the intersection of Radford Avenue and Hamlin Street in North Hollywood. The driver of the grey minivan (possibly a Honda, Toyota or GMC) stopped for a time before fleeing. So, people around that intersection should be able to provide some evidence. The driver was described as a 40-49 year old Hispanic female with brown hair and brown eyes.
It is not uncommon for hit and run drivers to claim that they had no idea that they hit a bicyclist. In this case, that argument is out the window. She actually stopped, saw that she hit someone seriously injuring them, then she drove off! Let’s try to identify her for the good of our community!
What do you do if you are in an accident?
Don’t forget the rules. If you are involved in an accident (even if you do not think it was your fault) or if you think no one could possibly identify you, you must pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so. You must notify emergency services and remain at the scene to identify yourself.
The consequences of a hit and run conviction can be very severe, including jail time and loss of your driving privileges. Do not risk it. Be a good citizen—-even if you may not be insured. The authorities will actually reward you for doing the right thing. Immediately, call the LAPD.
What if you are a Hit and Run Victim?
As I stated in my previous Article on this subject:
“First of all, do not panic. If you can safely identify the vehicle that hit you, try to write it down. Or, if a cell phone is handy, try to take a picture of the hit and run vehicle and its license plate. The LAPD can sometimes identify a vehicle based on color, make, model and a partial license plate.
When it is safe to do so, look around to see if there are any potential witnesses. Flag them down and ask for their cooperation. This is a perfect time to mention that the City Council has a very lucrative reward program that should incentivize witness up to the tune of $50,000. Next, look around the area of the crash. Many times, local businesses have surveillance cameras which could identify run away vehicles. Ask the business nicely to save and/or copy the video before it is erased in the normal course. Offer to pay for any expenses associated with the copy. Our office has successfully handled cases where the business allowed our client to video the businesses video with a cell phone!”
Most People Do Not Realize that Their Own Uninsured Motorist Coverage Cover them on a Bicycle!
Did you know that your Uninsured Motorist Coverage protects you if you are a victim of a Hit and Run—-even if you are on a bicycle? For that matter, your Uninsured Motorist coverage protects you when you are a passenger, when you are a pedestrian and any other number of situations where you are not driving your own car. Spread the news and buy sufficient Uninsured Motorist coverage if you are a biker, jogger or drive a car in California!
What is the Best way for a Bicyclist to Recover for a Hit and Run Accident?
Bicyclist should consult with experienced counsel right away. Many bikerss do not realize that their own Uninsured Motorist insurance will cover a hit and run accident. There is a catch. In order to qualify for Uninsured Motorist coverage under a policy issued in California, 1) there must be a Police Report made; and 2) the insurer must be notified within 24 hours (or reasonable soon thereafter).
It is important that the hit and run victim not wait for any reason to fully and completely report the accident. While it may seem like a hassle to report to the LAPD and to the insurance company, it is absolutely necessary to protect your claim.
Don’t worry, the hit and runner is not “off the hook” if you make a claim. The criminal investigation stays open and your insurer will be “subrogated” in your place to claim monetary damages. So, the insurer has an ongoing interest in catching the bad guy even if you have already been paid.
Would you like a Substantial Reward?
Substantial rewards are readily available to helpful neighbors. The City Council authorizes up to $50,000! Anyone with information about this bicycle hit and run is asked to contact Officer M. Tucker, Valley Traffic Division, at (818) 644-8114. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.
Spread the Word about Bicycle Hit and Runs!
In the end, it is up to all of us to stop the hit and run epidemic. Take a moment and remind your kids and family that they must stop and exchange information or risk serious consequences. Next, encourage your friends and family to be pro-active—do not let your neighbor be a hit and run victim. Snap a picture of a license plate. Be willing to provide information to the LAPD. The rewards can be substantial.
