A hit and run driver fatally struck a man in a wheelchair on Friday night.
The accident happened just before 10 p.m. at the intersection of Santa Fe Ave. and Lincoln St. 55-year-old Jose Guevarra had just left a 76 gas station. Guevarra, who was in a wheelchair due to diabetes, was crossing eastbound on Santa Fe in an unmarked crosswalk when a driver hit him.
The car which struck him, described as a green sedan, possibly a BMW, was heading northbound on Santa Fe Ave. After striking the pedestrian, the driver fled the scene, dragging the wheelchair about a block beneath his car. The wheelchair dislodged when the car turned eastbound on Wardlow Rd.
The impact threw Guevarra from the wheelchair and into the street. He suffered trauma to his head and body. Guevarra was transported to a local hospital, where he died on Sunday.
The Long Beach Police Department is reviewing surveillance video from the area to try to identify the hit and run car.
At McGee, Lerer & Associates, our Long Beach personal injury lawyers have seen a dramatic increase in the incidence of hit and run accidents over the last year. Hit and run accidents, expecially those involving pedestrians, often result in catastrophic injuries or death.
What Recourse Does A Hit and Run Victim or their Family Have?
If the hit and run driver is never identified, the victim or the victims' family can make an uninsured motorist claim, which can only be done if the victim had a car which had uninsured motorist coverage.
Claim under California Victim Compensation Program
If the victim was not covered under an uninsured motorist policy, the victim's family can make a claim under the California Victim Compensation Program. The maximum amount that will be paid out under the program is $63,000.
If you or a loved one has suffered injury or death as the result of a hit and run accident, a car accident attorney at McGee, Lerer & Associates is available 24/7 for a free consultation. We are a husband and wife team of accident lawyers with over 40 years of combined experience.
Let our family help yours.