Friday evening, the driver of a stolen car struck two motorcyclists and a vehicle as he was being chased by police.
The police pursuit began on the 405 freeway. The driver of a stolen Chevy Impala exited the 405 in Inglewood. Near the intersection of La Cienega Blvd. and Slauson Ave., he hit two motorcycle riders. A slow speed chase followed. The driver hit another vehicle and drove the wrong way on La Cienega.
The police pursuit came to an end at an apartment complex near La Cienega and Centinela. The driver was arrested.
Both motorcycle riders suffered injuries and were transported to a hospital.
Who can the injured motorcyclists make a claim against? Since the driver who hit them was driving a stolen car, the owner of the car is not on the hook for the motorcyclists' injuries. The motorcyclists may be able to pursue a claim against the driver who struck them, but he may not have insurance. If the driver did not have his own insurance, the motorcyclists' only source of compensation for their injuries would be their own uninsured motorist coverage.
At the Santa Monica personal injury law firm of McGee, Lerer & Associates, we strongly advocate to all of our clients, family, and friends, to carry as much uninsured motorist coverage as you can afford. Because there are so many uninsured and underinsured drivers in Southern California, it is critical you have this coverage. Without it, you may have no recourse after an accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is particularly important for motorcycle riders. When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident, the injuries can be very serious. The only way for motorcycle riders to protect themselves from dangerous uninsured or underinsured drivers is to carry high uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Our lawyers recommend that everyone have uninsured/underinsured motorist policy limits of at least $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident.
Speak with a personal injury attorney at our firm if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, a car accident, or an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist. We provide free consultations. A lawyer at our firm is available 24/7 to take your call.