LOS ANGELES, California –  A 55-year-old bicyclist is in critical condition with major injuries after being struck by a hit and run driver Friday afternoon on Outpost Drive near Mulholland Drive, according to a Los Angeles Police Department press release.

The injured bicyclist was struck about 4 p.m. by a driver in a rust-colored vehicle described as possibly a late model Jeep Cherokee traveling southbound on Outpost Drive.  The driver fled the scene immediately after the crash without identifying themselves as required by California law. The driver faces felony hit and run charges if he is apprehended by police.

Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics transported the injured bicyclist by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment of major injuries sustained in the bicycle accident.

Witnesses are asked to contact the West Traffic Division Detective Section at 213-473-0234. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).

According to the annual California Statewide Integrated Traffic report there were 554 fatal and 50,817 injury traffic accidents reported in Los Angeles County in 2009. Additionally, there were 2,805 fatal and 163,524 injury crashes in California in 2009.

“Bicyclists are especially vulnerable to being hit by cars on our roadways and drivers who flee such crashes are both a coward and a criminal under the law,” said Attorney West Seegmiller, founder of the Seegmiller Law Firm. “Indeed the injuries sustained by bicyclists are some of the most severe on our roads and it’s important that they receive care immediately for their injuries.”

Police investigate every car accident involving a death to determine the cause of a crash, Seegmiller explains. The investigation will seek to find out if there was anyone driving under the influence of alcohol, distracted or if there were any circumstances that may have led to the crash that were illegal or reckless.

For roughly 30 years, the legal experts at the Seegmiller Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients who were injured in traffic accidents or have lost a loved one.

If you are injured the insurance company may try to settle your claim quickly, but they do not have your best interests in mind. Some injuries may lead to long-term ailments requiring pain medication, therapy or loss of function. You may require time off work to recover from injuries completely and those costs are not likely part of the settlement they will offer you.

There is no cost to speak to our experienced legal professionals about your accident until we have won your case. Finding the best car accident attorney can mean you will get the settlement you need to get your life back on track. Compensation for your injuries, loss of wages and pain and suffering can’t take away the trauma of the accident, but it can help you rebuild your life.

Call us today at 1-855-ASK WEST (1-855-275-9378) to speak with our car accident law firm. There is no obligation to hire our firm, but we will help you determine if you need a lawyer. Seegmiller Law Firm has offices in California including its headquarters in Irvine. We also have offices outside of Orange County to serve you in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside and in Las Vegas, Nevada.