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[Los Angeles, CA] – Branden Finley Dies After Bicycle Hit-and-Run Accident on Olive Street
Branden Finley Killed in Downtown Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Accident on Olive Street
Wednesday, January 20, 2021 – Branden Finley, age 46, passed away last Saturday morning at around 8 A.M. Moreover, the bicyclist was killed in a hit-and-run crash that occurred on Olive Street in downtown L.A.
Allegedly, a delivery driver was driving a 2010 Toyota Tacoma. Additionally, he was making his rounds in the 900 block of Wilshire Boulevard.
Then, a man asked Mr. Finley for a ride. But he refused to give him one.
Unfortunately, the driver left the motor of his vehicle running. Next, the suspect jumped inside the vehicle and locked the doors.
Quickly, the vehicle owner jumped into the bed of his pickup truck. From there, he tried to get the suspect out of the cab using the rear window.
Suddenly, the suspect started the truck and began driving. As a result, the owner was forced to jump from his own truck.
The vehicle continued into traffic and started to travel towards Olive Street.
However, it struck Mr. Finley who ended up landed on the vehicle’s hood before he fell off near Hill Street.
The Aftermath
Sadly, rescue workers found Mr. Finley unresponsive and pronounced him dead on arrival.
Meanwhile, the hit-and-run driver crashed into two other vehicles before finally abandoning the vehicle.
Also, a nearby video surveillance camera was able to capture the suspect’s image.
According to video evidence, officials estimate the suspect to be about 5 feet, 6 inches tall and 150 to 160 pounds.
Notably, he was last seen barefoot and wearing black pants and a blue hoodie. Then, later he changed into a white hoodie.
Additionally, a reward of $50,000 from the city fund has been made available. Anyone who is able to provide details leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect is eligible to receive the reward.
Please call LAPD Juan Campos at 213-833-3713 or the LAPD’s 24/7 tip line at 877-527-3247. Tipsters can also call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS if you have any further information about this terrible accident.
Both bicyclists, as well as drivers, should pay close attention to those around them. Likewise, they should always try to keep a considerable distance from one another.
Subsequently, this a good precaution at any time that harms is near. Especially when lives are at stake.
A Few Ways to Avoid Deadly Crashes while Biking
In the past few years, biking has become increasingly more popular. Also, biking gives the heart and lungs a hefty workout, minimizing the risk of heart disease.
Not only that, but it can trim, and tone muscles, manage weight, relieve stress and the activity itself is environmentally friendly.
According to reports from C.D.C. There are about 500,000 people, about half the population of South Dakota, who are treated in emergency rooms due to Biking accidents every year.
Unbelievably, a shocking 7-800 people are killed each year in bicycle accidents. Hopefully, the following tips and advice will help you avoid a fatal crash when you are out there biking.
Steps:
- Never bike into a road or street without stopping first. Look left, then right, then look left a second time as cars coming from the left are on your side of the road, and so closer to you.
- Check behind you before turning left or changing lanes and always signal. This involves practice. To practice go to a quiet area with minimal traffic.
- Wear your helmet. This may save your life. 7-800 people die from bicycle crashes, mostly from head injuries. Many others suffer permanent brain damage. Check your helmet regularly for wear and tear, replace it if you have been in an accident or after 6 years.
- Obey the rules of the road. Ride with traffic (on the right in the US). Always stop at the stop signs and red lights, even if the ‘coast is clear’.
- Always bike in single file, do not ‘blindly follow the leader’.
- Watch for left turning traffic. Often oncoming cars will misjudge the speed of a cyclist and turn left right into them. Be aware of oncoming traffic and look for signs that they will be turning left.
- Watch for right turning traffic. Be ready to break if a car passes you then slows, as this can be a sign that they are about to turn right into your path of travel. This may also be a sign that they are yielding to an oncoming car that is turning left. Always be cautious when passing a car that just passed you.
- Use a headlight when biking at night. Never assume the motorist can see you.
- Ensure your bike has reflectors both front and back, also reflectors on side wheels and pedals.
- Get off your bike and walk if you are overtired, or in very windy weather, as you may wobble and be in danger.
- Wear reflective clothing. It is not advisable to bike in sandals or barefoot, wear comfortable shoes, or invest in special biking shoes.
What Is A Hit-and-Run?
A hit and run accident are when the person responsible flees from the scene of the crash. Sadly, some people have been known to flee even though it was only a fender bender.
Also, a person could experience fines, criminal charges, license revocation, or even jail time. Although, this all depends on what state you live in.
Since the penalties can be severe, they are often the reason that a driver may choose to flee. Here is a look at a few penalty examples:
- The most obvious reason is they lack auto insurance coverage.
- They know that they have just broken the law and are afraid.
- They have been using drugs or alcohol.
- The vehicle they are driving is stolen.
Rest assured that being involved in a car accident is more than enough to ruin anyone’s day. However, the experience can be especially disorienting if you are involved in a hit-and-run.
Hit and run accidents can happen so quickly. Furthermore, you might just barely realize that your vehicle’s been hit before you get out to see that the other car is driving off into the distance.
To the family and friends of Branden Finley, we at Salkow Law firm cannot begin to imagine what you are going through, and our sincerest condolences go out to you.
Salkow Law are true advocates that will work with you directly to achieve justice. Insurance companies want to pay as little compensation as they can. They will even try to make your case go away completely. We will fight for you so that does not happen.
Unlike, the law firms you see plastered on billboards and buses, at Salkow Law you will receive a level of personal service long forgotten at the ‘big’ firms. With us you will not be a faceless, nameless case file. We’ll answer any questions you have and make sure you have a full understanding of how the process works.
This is especially true for families that have lost a loved one in an accident. We won’t stop until we’ve gotten you fair compensation to alleviate the financial toll that unexpected devastation brings.
Call us for a free consultation at (310) 914 – 8484
