. LOS ANGELES (KTLA) — The search is on for the driver of a sport utility vehicle that struck and killed a 6-year-old girl in South Los Angeles. Kemberly Arrue was playing with a ball near her home in the 600 block of West 49th Place around 9:53 p.m. Tuesday when she lost the ball and ran after it into the street, LAPD Capt. Jorge Rodriguez said. Arrue was struck by a dark-colored SUV. The driver never stopped, Rodriguez said. A family member told KTLA that Arrue’s body was thrown some 80 feet down the road. Her father picked her up and carried her back to the front lawn while the girl’s mother frantically called 911. Arrue was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. Police are asking for the public’s help in tracking down the driver. All that is known about the SUV is that it was dark colored and likely has front-end damage.

Hit and Run Felony – When Hit and Run results in bodily injury or death, a felony will be charged. According to California Law, a Hit and Run Felony is defined as, “a failure to immediately stop at the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving death or permanent injury to any person(s) associated with the accident.” Possible consequences for a Hit and Run Violations A person charged with hit and run may be subject to enhancements if:

• a third party was injured during the accident
• there was excessive damage to property
• the person caused a wrongful death
• the person has a prior criminal conviction

A hit and run conviction can result in jail time, monetary fines, probation, community service, and driver’s license suspension.

How soon after I am injured do I have to file a lawsuit?

Every state has certain time limits called “statutes of limitations,” which govern the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. In some states, you may have as little as one year to file a lawsuit arising out of an automobile accident. If you miss the deadline for filing your case, your claims can be dismissed. Consequently, it is important to talk with a lawyer as soon as you receive or discover an injury.

What damages are recoverable in pedestrian accident cases?

The injured party may recover damages for past and future medical expenses, past and future wage loss, past and future pain and suffering. If the defendant’s conduct is extreme, punitive damages may be awarded. If the pedestrian dies, his or her survivors are entitled to recover full compensation for their economic losses that result from the pedestrian’s death, as well as damages which stem from the loss of society care and comfort of the decedent.

Do I need to retain an attorney?

It is almost always a good idea to retain an attorney in a pedestrian accident case because there usually will be some questions related to fault and comparative negligence. Expert witnesses may need to be retained to reconstruct the accident factors, and help determine responsibility for the accident.The family members of the victim would be well advised to contact California Wrongful Death Attorney Gary A. Kessler about their legal rights in a wrongful death claims.