It is every parent’s nightmare. A phone call saying that their child has been killed. Unfortunately, a Los Angeles family experienced that last month.
When Andy Olivera, 18, went out for a jog on November 10, we know he did expect everything to flow smoothly, just like all the other times he had gone out. Olivera was training for a marathon, so he was no novice to jogging. This time, when Olivera was near the intersection of Virgil Avenue and First Street, he was struck by a vehicle.
The driver did not stop and help. He fled the accident and has not yet been caught.
Andy Olivera was pronounced dead at the scene.
At JML Law, we know that pedestrians face so many dangers on a daily basis, especially here in the city. When you need a Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney, you can turn to us to help. Our team will work to secure the compensation you deserve.
The Damage That Can Happen
We know that pedestrian accidents can be devastating because our bodies have no defenses against objects or vehicles slamming into them. When someone is hit, they suffer two impacts – one with the object and one with the ground. Even at slower speeds, this double impact can cause major injuries.
We commonly see the following as a result of pedestrian crashes:
- Spinal cord injuries with paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Amputations and crush injuries
Aside from the obvious physical toll these injuries cause for their victims, people are often faced with medical bills that are impossible to afford if insurance does not cover them. Many people rush to settle with insurance companies without taking into account the hidden costs associated with these injuries, like lost income and the emotional trauma involved.
In California’s latest reporting year, there were:
- More than 14,215 pedestrian accident injuries
- 867 people lost their lives
- Los Angeles County saw nearly 6,000 pedestrian injuries or deaths due to vehicle collisions
Why They Happen
In the incident above, we do not know why the driver fled the scene, but that often happens when a driver is intoxicated.
- Drunk drivers are irresponsible and jeopardize the lives of everyone on or near the roadway
- Distracted drivers, those who focus on texting and watching videos on their phones instead of on the roadway, are a growing concern
- The main cause of accidents in California is still drivers who speed
What Your Options Are
We know that the first thing you need to do in the aftermath of an accident is to ensure that any medical emergency is taken care of. After that, you should consider seeking legal assistance. If someone else has caused you harm, JML Law wants to help. We will work to secure compensation for your medical expenses, lost income if you are unable to work, as well as pain and suffering damages.
When you need a Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney, you can contact us by clicking here or calling us at 818-610-8800 for a free consultation today.
