On March 30, a 13-year-old boy was severely injured after a hit-and-run motorcycle accident in Boyle Heights. The boy tragically lost his right leg as a result of the crash.

THE SCENE OF THE HIT-AND-RUN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

The 13-year-old boy who lost his leg after being the victim of a motorcycle accident. His name is Joshua Mora. Source: KTLA.

Joshua Mora was the victim identified in the crash. Mora attends Hollenbeck Middle School as an eighth grader.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, a motorcyclist struck Mora near the intersection of Whittier Boulevard and Orme Avenue around 3:27 p.m. Mora suffered severe injuries as a result of the crash. His right leg had been severed and he was immediately taken to the hospital.

The at-fault driver was riding his motorcycle before he lost control and struck Mora. The police explained that the driver “slid approximately 80 feet before stopping.” Mora was using a crosswalk at the time.

After striking the boy, the at-fault driver returned to his motorcycle and drove away. He left the injured boy lying on the road alone. The driver is described to be a white male.

THE LOCATION OF THE HIT-AND-RUN COLLISION

The location of the crosswalk where the 13-year-old boy was struck by a motorcycle. Source: KTLA.

Residents of the area revealed that the location of the accident is known to be a dangerous intersection. The single crosswalk does not have any signal lights or visible traffic signs protecting it.

One witness of the collision was a woman working in a nearby restaurant at the time. She told KTLA that Mora appeared to be in shock instantly after the accident. He was struggling to get up and stand but was unable to do so. The witness called the police and paramedics arrived shortly after.

As a matter of fact, a nearby business captured surveillance footage of the accident. The footage showed the at-fault driver moments before the crash. Moreover, the motorcyclist was seen heading eastbound on Whittier Boulevard.

In fact, residents said that they have been appealing to city leaders and local representatives for a significant period of time to improve the conditions of the intersection.

HOW TO MINIMIZE ACCIDENTS AT THIS CROSSWALK IN THE FUTURE

The intersection where the hit-and-run motorcycle accident took place. Source: KTLA.

A man named Danny Zelaya noted that he was almost the victim of another car accident recently. He said that a car nearly ran over him when he was using that same crosswalk near the intersection of Whittier Boulevard and Orme Avenue. Zelaya works at a nearby Boulevard Café.

In addition, Zelaya stated that the crosswalk is very dangerous and people don’t stop at the intersection. “They need to have a light. [The crosswalk] is not enough. It’s not safe,” said Zelaya.

Boyle Heights resident Angela Funk also commented on the dangerous nature of the crosswalk. She said, “Sometimes, I have to wave people down to get them to stop. There’s a high school and middle school right across the street. It’s very sad to me that someone got hurt.

Residents of the area stated that they believe a stoplight or stop signs should be installed at the crosswalk. They said at the very minimum, some flashing lights that pedestrians can activate with a button should be implemented.

THE AFTERMATH OF THE MOTORCYCLE CRASH

The motorcycle driver seen in a surveillance video moments before the accident. Source: KTLA.

Joshua Mora’s family confirmed that he remains in stable condition. Although, the at-fault driver has not been found or identified by police.

Anyone with information about the hit-and-run motorcycle accident is advised to contact Detective Daniel Ramirez at (213) 833-3713 or email 39299@lapd.online. Any anonymous tips can be sent to “L.A. Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-8477 or at lacrimestoppers.org.

Additionally, a $25,000 reward may be available for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of the at-fault driver.

Accidents like these should never happen and it is a true tragedy when one does occur.

If you have any questions regarding a head-on collision case, you should contact a head-on collision attorney immediately.