Koreatown, CA (September 12, 2024) – On September 12, 2024, a tragic hit-and-run incident involving an electric scooter occurred in Koreatown, Los Angeles. A woman riding on the sidewalk struck 70-year-old Danny Kim, causing a serious head injury.
Accident Details: The collision happened around 4:50 p.m. on the 2800 block of James M. Wood Boulevard. Surveillance footage from a nearby Salvadoran restaurant captured the footage of a man and woman, both illegally riding electric scooters on the sidewalk. The woman collided with Kim, knocking him to the ground. Kim initially declined medical treatment. He passed away two days later due to the injury.
Investigation: Despite the severity of the crash, the couple did not stop to render aid, leading the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to classify the incident as a felony hit-and-run. The LAPD has not yet identified the couple involved, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to help in identifying the suspects responsible for this hit-and-run. Residents have expressed increasing concerns over the safety of electric scooters.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination.
Illegal Use of Electric Scooters: In California, riding electric scooters on sidewalks is unlawful unless entering or exiting the property. The footage clearly shows the scooter riders violating this law, which could be considered negligent behavior contributing to the collision with Danny Kim. Negligence occurs when a party fails to act with reasonable care. In this case, the woman’s decision to ride on the sidewalk created an unsafe environment for pedestrians like Kim.
Hit-and-Run: Because the woman and the man fled the scene without stopping to offer help, the LAPD labeled the accident a felony hit-and-run. Under California law, leaving the scene of an accident without providing assistance or waiting for authorities to arrive is a serious offense. Hit-and-run incidents violate traffic laws and can be a significant factor in civil cases, where fleeing the scene can be seen as further evidence of negligence or wrongdoing.
Other Factors: Concerns over the use of electric scooters in the area will also be investigated. Failure to enforce scooter laws and make the area safe may implicate the local municipality’s liability.
Wrongful Death Claim: Given the facts of this case, Danny Kim’s family may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Under California law, wrongful death claims can be filed when a loved one’s death is caused by negligence or a wrongful act. Here, the riders’ illegal use of the scooters and failure to stop and render aid after the accident may significantly impact liability.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to Danny Kim’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Source: KTLA