Hit and Run Crash Kills Wheelchaired Pedestrian

A man in a wheelchair was hit and killed by and hit and run driver while attempting to cross the street Sunday evening in Long Beach.

According to reports from the Long Beach Police Department, the accident took place at around 5:30 p.m., where 55 year old Robert Diaz was attempting to make his was across Artesia Boulevard at Rose Avenue when he was hit by a speeding vehicle.

The driver made an initial attempt to stop and help Diaz, who was clearly hurt, but instead fled the scene when police arrived. “The driver the vehicle pulled around the corner and stopped… got out as if he was going to come back to the scene,” said police Sergeant Aaron Eaton. “When officers who were in the area went to check on that particular driver, he fled and left.”

The man is described as a Latino man in his 30s, about six feet tall and 190 pounds with black hair. He was wearing a white shirt and jeans at the time of the accident. His vehicle was a silver four-door sedan, possibly a Honda Civic or Nissan Altima, with noticeable front end damage.

Diaz meanwhile was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital, but was later pronounced dead as a result of his injuries. Family and friends described Diaz, who had been confined to a wheelchair since 1985 when he broke his spine in a fall, as someone who never got down on himself.

“He was very witty, very funny, outgoing,” said Jason Diaz, his son. “He could poke jokes at anybody. He could make fun of you, make fun of himself. He remained very optimistic… We know that my dad is in a much better place, and he’s out and about walking, playing football, doing all the things that he used to do.”

The Diaz family is now asking for help from the public to bring the man who killed Robert to justice. “He’s in a better place, but down here we still need justice,” added Jason. “This guy needs to be held accountable for what he did.” Anyone with information that may help lead to an arrest is encouraged to call the Long Beach Police Department immediately.

If you or someone you know is seeking justice like the Diaz family, you should look to the help of an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer, who can help get you what you need to recover from such a damaging incident. Through this legal assistance, compensation can be earned to help victims onto the road to recovery.

At AA Accident Attorneys, we will work to get you what you need. As always, we will not charge you anything for our services until your case is won. Call us today for a free evaluation and to learn what our accident lawyers can do for you!

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