Car hits pedestrian on Zelzah Avenue

By Kristopher A. Fortin
September 11th, 2009
Section: News

A car hit a female pedestrian at 11 a.m. on Zelzah Avenue between Nordhoff and Plummer Streets, next to G4 parking lot.

The female pedestrian was taken to Northridge Medical Center, said LAPD officer Roy Agbanawag.

Layah Lasalle, a former CSUN student, was making a left on Zelzah Avenue from G4 parking lot when Lasalle struck the female pedestrian as both entered the center turn lane.

Joe Rozner, 20-year-old junior computer science major, and witness, was behind Lasalle’s car when it came to a stop. Rozner said that after the collision the pedestrian’s left arm was scratched and that she was complaining of back pains.

Denise Cabeza, senior liberal studies major, was driving the opposite direction when she saw the collision happen right in front of her, she said.

“I saw her fly in the air,” Cabeza said of the pedestrian that was hit.

Cabeza got a blanket out of her car, she said, placed it on the floor and laid down the injured pedestrian on top of the blanket until firefighters and paramedics came.

Rozner said the female pedestrian was jaywalking when she was hit.

The female pedestrian suffered minor injuries, Agbanawag said.

“It’s not like anyone’s fault,” Lasalle said.

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  • http://www.jocuri-gratis.org jocuri

    Very good information and interesting one.
    Thank You.

  • Stephanie

    You’re safer in a crosswalk because if you get hit while between the white lines you can sue AND WIN. Legally that is the pedestrian’s turf more so than the middle of the street. Generally, pedestrians have the right of way unless they cross the street in a non-designated crossing area or did not obey traffic signals. Yes, they can still try to sue for physical damages, but it’s gonna be harder for them to prove they were in the right. The defendant’s lawyer can claim something like suicidal tendencies or some other crap.

  • Michael

    It is not true that you are safer at a crosswalk. Where do you get this information? Talk to any police officer, they will tell you that most pedestrian accidents take place on a crosswalk! I am not saying everyone should jaywalk but I am just saying, it doesn’t necessarily make it safer.

    I agree that people drive terrible here. Its the case I think everywhere but especially true here. And you can’t assume they are going to stop. I ride my bike around a lot and I always try to make eye contact with a driver before I pass in front of them on a crosswalk.

  • Michael

    ok, what about this? From CSUN Police website:

    Report #: 090953

    Offense: Traffic Collision – Hit & Run

    Date Occurred: 09/10/09 @ 14:42 HRS.

    Date Reported: 09/10/09 @ 14:42 HRS.

    Location: 18200 Plummer St.

    Synopsis: An unknown male Hispanic suspect with black hair, clean shaven, wearing sunglasses, driving a silver Toyota Corolla with tinted windows, struck a CSUN student riding his bicycle in the crosswalk and left without exchanging contact information.

    • sam

      This an unrelated incident. In this case the jerk in the Carolla is at fault. This doesn’t excuse jaywalking, it only proves everyone should be careful. You’re safer in a crosswalk, period. And for the record, bicyclists have the same rights as cars, so they are not considered pedestrians.

      I’ll tell you what though, I only cross at traffic lights because nobody in LA can drive for shit. Even then you have to make sure everyone comes to a stop before crossing. You can’t assume that because you have the right of way everyone will stop. Can’t assume that while driving either.

  • Michael

    Ask any police officer, the pedestrians has the right of way – even if the pedestrian is jaywalking.

    SLOW DOWN when you are around campus. Leave 5 minutes earlier than usual so you don’t hit someone walking, when you are trying to make up time since you are running late. It is ridiculous!

    • Sam

      The pedestrian may have the right of way but that doesn’t mean the driver is at fault.

      You could also argue that pedestrians should leave five minutes earlier so they can cross at designated crosswalks.

      Seems to me that both people were at fault. It’s terrible that someone was hurt but anyone who is willing to play frogger through a street filled with 2500 pound, speed-limit obeying vehicles needs to rethink their commute.

  • Stephanie

    That’s why they made jaywalking illegal. Hopefully Lasalle doesn’t get a lawsuit slapped on her for this. The student jaywalking is at fault, or so I think. But then again others may argue that Lasalle should have been paying just a bit more attention. Keep us posted on how this all unfolds!