Somehow, this one went under the radar last week.
According to a post on the LAPD blog this morning, a cyclist is in serious condition after being struck by an object on a passing truck while riding on Oxnard St. just west of Los Angeles Valley College in the Valley Glen area.
On April 16, 2010, at around 12:17 p.m., a 43-year-old man was riding his bicycle in the cemented portion of the lane, closest to the curb, westbound Oxnard Street just west of Fulton Ave. Witnesses described the hit and run only as a truck, driven by a male Caucasian. The truck was traveling westbound on Oxnard Street attempting to pass the bicyclist. Witnesses state that a metal object attached to the truck possibly struck the bicyclist. The driver left the scene failing to render aid and exchange information as required by law.
The 43-year-old man was transported to a local hospital with severe injuries and he is listed in serious condition. There is no further description on the truck.
Anyone with information is asked to call Valley Traffic Division, Detective Jackson at 818 644-8020 or 818 644-8028, during normal business hours. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.
Reading between the lines, the driver may or may not be aware he hit someone; however, he is still liable for the injuries caused by his failure to properly secure his load and pass safely.
Why even bother. The driver won’t be charged with anything but a misdemeanor, right?
Unfortunately, you’re probably right. I think in this instance, the driver isn’t likely to face serious charges; it’s more a matter of finding the driver so he can be held financially liable.
I like how people jumped on the LAPD blog editors for titling the post as a “traffic accident” in the original headline. I left a comment in the morning pointing this out as well, but apparently two angry calls for correction were enough for them to change the headline. My angry comment was never posted.
The 43 year old man died. He was brain dead. They pulled him off life support earlier this week. I hope the person they arrested for this is punished for leaving the scene. A good man died.