Police in Compton say that a DUI collision the morning of April 25, 2010 led to the death of 16-year-old Chanel Lenard. An ABC News report states that Chanel and her friend were walking back home from a party when they were struck by a Mercury Voyager on 154th Street. The driver of the Voyager did not stop and fled from the scene of the crash. Police apprehended the driver thanks to tips from neighbors who saw the fatal pedestrian crash occur.
The hit-and-run driver was identified as 22-year-old Juan Garay. He has been arrested on suspicion of DUI, vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run. While Chanel succumbed to her injuries, her friend, who hasn’t been identified, was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries. However, the extent of her injuries is not known.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Chanel Lenard for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your prayers. I also pray that the injured girl makes a quick and full recovery.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
There were no fatalities, but 45 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Compton, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 traffic accident statistics. In Los Angeles County, pedestrian accidents claimed 214 lives and injured 4,985 people during the same year.
Violation of Several Laws
Based on this news report, the driver, Garay, was not only driving under the influence and struck the two young pedestrians, but also left the scene of the crash. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law. California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a) states: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.”
Claim for Compensation
Chanel’s family, and the family of the injured teenager, would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record financially pursuing drunk drivers. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how the family’s car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run accident or in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
