Leonard Smith Dies After Hit and Run Crash

[Long Beach, CA] – Leonard Smith Killed after Hit-and-Run Crash on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue 

Leonard Smith Dies in Fatal Hit-And-Run Crash in Long Beach 

November 8, 2020 – Leonard Smith, age 74, was in Long Beach when he was struck in a hit-and-run crash in August. Weeks later, he passed away. 
  
First, the accident occurred around 3:10 p.m. on August 23. Moreover, it happened in the parking lot along the 1990 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. 
  
According to Long Beach Police reports, Mr. Smith was struck by a vehicle that left the scene. However, the driver returned shortly after the police arrived. 
  
Then, Mr. Smith was taken to a hospital with injuries to his lower torso that did not appear to be life-threatening at the time. 
  
He remained under hospital care until September 6. That is when police were informed that Mr. Smith had died.  

Later, an official statement was released. Sadly, the coroner’s officials said that he died of blunt force trauma related to the injuries he suffered from the crash. 
  
Also, a description of the driver paints him as a 30-year-old man from Lancaster. He was driving a 2000 Cadillac SUV.  
  
Police do not believe drugs, alcohol, nor distracted driving considered as factors in the crash. Therefore, no arrest was made. 
  
Although, police are further investigating to see if a crime occurred. 

WHAT TO DO AFTER A HIT-AND-RUN 

As with any accident, there are easy some steps you should take once the dust has settled. Moreover, it is important to stay calm. As the person left holding the buck, it is your responsibility to record as much information as you can. As a result, you will further be able to protect yourself. 

Here is what to do if you are the victim of a hit-and-run: 

• Remain calm – Any accident can leave you feeling very anxious.  Also, you might also feel angry or afraid. Importantly, do your best to remain composed so you can think and act with a clear head. It may be difficult if you are injured but try to do your best to remember. 
   
   
• Stay put – Make sure to stay where you are. Moreover, do not leave the scene of the accident or attempt to chase down the other driver. Sitting still can help you collect valuable evidence. This will help to avoid any incurring penalties for yourself. Additionally, move your car safely off the road if possible. Once you have a good grasp of your situation, start checking to see if you or any passengers need medical attention. 
   
   
• Takedown details – It is good to remember as many details as you can. Such as, get the make and model of the car as well as the license plate number before they can getaway. You may not be able to recognize who hit you. However, any detail you can remember will help you when you talk to the police or your insurance company. 

• Locate witnesses – Most accidents will typically get a lot of attention. Make sure to get their names and contact information. Moreover, this will help you solidify your story when you talk to the police. 

• Dial 911 – Make sure and call the police to the scene, particularly if someone needs medical attention. Notably, some states will legally require calling the police after an accident. Furthermore, the responding officials will help investigate the incident and file an accident report. A copy of the report may be necessary for insurance claims. 

• Get pictures – While providing your story to insurance companies, pictures will help you provide evidence of the damage. More on that, take photos from different angles, including a full view of the vehicle and close-ups of any dings and scratches. Do not forget to take pictures of the paint left by the other car if there is any.  Look for any evidence of the other vehicle involved. 
   
   
• Call your insurance company –  What is more, the trained professionals at an insurance company can walk you through what to do, and how to file a claim. 

As daunting as the encounter can be, how you react can play an important role in protecting yourself both financially and physically. 

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.

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. 

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To the family and friends of Leonard Smith, we cannot begin to imagine what you are going through, and our sincerest condolences go out to you. 

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