Los Angeles Police are currently investigating a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred in the San Fernando Valley on August 1 at 11:20 pm. The crash claimed one life and severely injured two others.

The tragic incident occurred around 8:30 PM on Tuesday near the intersection of Sherman Way and Balboa Boulevard, according to the LAPD. The unidentified suspect reportedly struck three pedestrians before fleeing the scene in a white, late-model sedan, leaving behind a nightmarish scene.

police tape depicted at scene of incident

The victims, whose identities have been withheld due to ongoing investigations, were immediately rushed to the local hospital. One succumbed to their injuries, while the other two remain in critical condition. The LAPD began an active search for the perpetrator and has appealed to the public for any information that could assist in the investigation.

According to KTLA, authorities are very motivated to find the guilty party, and they’ve even put out a $50,000 reward for any information leading to the guilty party.

Attorney Gerald Singleton, who specializes in traffic accident cases, expressed deep empathy for the victims’ predicament. “It’s incredibly disheartening to hear of such events,” he said. “My thoughts and sympathies go out to the victims and their families during this extraordinarily difficult time.”

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Pacoima hit and run accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at Singleton Schreiber by calling 213-816-0307 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com

Fatal Pacoima Hit And Run Collision 

In the grander context of Los Angeles’ traffic situation, this recent tragedy is far from an isolated incident. The San Fernando Valley has been the epicenter of numerous fatal hit-and-run accidents in recent years. In 2020, the city of Los Angeles witnessed a staggering 21% increase in fatal hit-and-run cases, with San Fernando Valley accounting for a significant portion of these incidents.

A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety highlighted that California is among the states with the highest number of hit-and-run fatalities, further emphasizing the urgency of this issue. In spite of multiple initiatives aimed at reducing such incidents, including enhanced surveillance, the deployment of traffic calming measures, and public awareness campaigns, the numbers have shown a disconcerting upward trend.

Road safety advocates argue that this pervasive problem is symptomatic of deeper issues within the city’s traffic infrastructure and regulation. They point to a lack of adequate pedestrian-friendly designs in busy areas, insufficient penalties for traffic violations, and a culture of aggressive driving as contributing factors.

Residents of San Fernando Valley have expressed their concerns over the situation, fearing for their safety as the number of such incidents continues to escalate. These accidents don’t just claim lives; they disrupt communities, instill fear, and underscore the need for meaningful policy and infrastructural changes.

High-speed car collisions often result in severe, life-threatening injuries to pedestrians. Common injuries include fractures, dislocations, and traumatic brain injuries due to the immense force of impact. Spinal cord injuries are frequent and can lead to permanent paralysis. Internal bleeding from ruptured organs is another severe consequence. Soft tissue damage, such as lacerations and bruises, is ubiquitous. Psychological injuries, like post-traumatic stress disorder, also occur post-accident. Unfortunately, fatalities are common in high-speed collisions, underscoring the importance of road safety measures to prevent these devastating accidents.

Following up on his initial comments, car accident lawyer attorney Gerald Singleton emphasized that victims of such tragic incidents should seek legal redress. 

“In the face of such trauma and loss, it’s essential for victims and their families to remember that they have rights,” he said. “There is a strong case to be made for compensation in situations like these. I urge anyone affected by such a horrifying incident to contact a qualified attorney who can guide them through this complicated process.”

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Pacoima hit and run accident, contact the car accident attorneys at Singleton Schreiber by calling 213-816-0307 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com