The senior from Monterey Park was struck at Berkeley Avenue and Allesandro Street, police say
ECHO PARK, CA, (January 13, 2025) - Authorities in Echo Park are offering a reward for information about a driver involved in the hit-and-run death of an elderly pedestrian on Monday, Jan. 13.
Lai Har Chu, an 87-year-old Monterey Park resident, was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver Monday evening in Echo Park, according to authorities. A search is underway to locate the suspect.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as Lai Har Chu.
A preliminary investigation found that 87-year-old Monterey Park resident Chu was walking westbound in a crosswalk at the intersection of Berkeley Avenue and Allesandro Street around 6:50 p.m. when she was hit by a dark-colored Ford Transit van traveling south on Allesandro. Tragically, Chu died at the scene as a result of injuries.
The motorist took off, police said. Any details about the case can be shared with the LAPD Central Traffic Investigator at 213-833-3713.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Despite every warning, every memorial, every death, too many drivers keep going, knowing they’ve hit someone.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), hit-and-run deaths in the U.S. have increased an average of 7.2% each year since 2009.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney and a Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Lai Har Chu may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident such as this incident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a hit-and-run driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).