Teen Killed in South LA Hit and Run

Police are on the lookout for a driver who struck and killed a teenaged pedestrian on his way home from church Friday night in South Los Angeles.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, sixteen year old Nathaniel Mota was killed at approximately 9:30 p.m. at the intersection of Normandia Avenue and 42st Street, where he was struck in a crosswalk while walking home from a youth group meeting at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, where he was an usher. Police at the scene reported that several of Mota’s friends and family witnessed the collision.

“He was always there to help, always caring,” said Delmi Massella, Nathaniel’s cousin. “He had the best hugs that you just can’t describe. And unfortunately, in a heartbeat, it’s gone.” Friend Gabriel Ganez added that “He was always there to give you big hugs. That was one thing everybody remembers. He always gave big hugs to everyone. He always asked how you were feeling.”

Following the collision, the vehicle that hit Mota fled. Police are describing the vehicle as a white four door Nissan Maxima sedan with probable front end damage. Anyone with information about the vehicle or the driver behind the wheel is being encouraged to contact the LAPD at (877) 527-3247 as soon as possible to assist with the investigation.

Also being blamed for the accident is the intersection itself, where local residents have been asking for a traffic signal for several years. Nathaniel’s mother, Lissette Mota, believes that flashing lights are also needed to warn drivers of pedestrians crossing the street. “I just want to make sure that all the politicians, everybody who is listening, will do something,” she told reporters. “It will be a blessing for my son to have a safety zone, so that what happened to him won’t happen to anybody else.”

“I had a wonderful son,” Lissette added. “He was going to be seventeen on Wednesday… I thank God because he was coming from church, and that’s a blessing. I know he’s with God, and that’s all that matters.”

If you’ve been injured in an accident such as this involving a hit and run driver, you should seek help, as there are legal protections in place to get you what you need to recover. With the help of an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer, compensation can be earned from those at fault to help pay for the damages you’ve suffered.

At AA Accident Attorneys, we will fight for your rights and help you receive everything you rightfully deserve to get back on your feet as quickly as possible. As with all of our clients, we will not charge you for any of our legal services until your case is won. If we cannot collect on your case, then you will not owe us anything. Call us today for more information and a free evaluation to discuss your rights, and your available legal options!

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