Northridge, CA (September 19, 2024) – County authorities have identified 51-year-old Danny Oerlemans as the bicyclist tragically killed in a hit-and-run collision on Thursday night in Northridge.
Accident Details: The incident occurred around 9:20 p.m. near the intersection of Lindley Avenue and Parthenia Street. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the driver of a vehicle heading north on Lindley. The driver hit Oerlemans, causing Oerlemans to fall off his bicycle and into the street. The driver fled the scene without stopping to render aid. Tragically, Oerlemans was subsequently hit by four or five additional vehicles after being thrown into the street. Oerlemans was pronounced dead.
Police have not provided any descriptions of the vehicle or suspect involved.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that investigators face the complex task of determining liability in hit-and-run accidents. From a legal standpoint, several avenues could be explored to hold responsible parties accountable.
- Liability of the Hit-and-Run Driver: Under California law, all drivers involved in an accident must stop and render aid. The first driver’s failure to do so constitutes a criminal offense and may also carry civil liability. Identifying the hit-and-run driver is critical in pursuing civil compensation for Oerlemans’s family. Law enforcement will likely review surveillance footage from nearby cameras and encourage witnesses to come forward.
- Potential Negligence of Additional Drivers: While the first hit-and-run driver seems to bear primary responsibility, the subsequent drivers who struck Oerlemans may face scrutiny. If it can be shown that any of these drivers acted negligently, they may also be held liable for damages. Determining whether these drivers had an opportunity to avoid hitting Oerlemans is crucial in assessing their role in the tragedy.
- Government Liability Considerations: Given the number of vehicles involved and the time of night, the condition of the roadway and street lighting may also come into question. If poor road design or inadequate lighting contributed to the visibility issues that led to the collisions, there may be a case for government liability.
Depending on the outcome of the investigation, Oerlemans’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim and recover compensation for their devastating loss.
I extend my deepest condolences to Danny Oerlemans’s family during this incredibly difficult time.
Source: My News LA