Christopher Roth, 24, was killed in a Newport Beach hit-and-run accident the morning of February 13, 2016. According to a report in the Daily Pilot, Roth was crossing at the intersection of Newport Boulevard and 30th Street when a 2007 Nissan 350z traveling south on Newport struck him. The driver did not stop. Roth was transported to a trauma center where he died of his injuries soon afterward.
The hit-and-run vehicle was found abandoned near 19th and Court streets, about half a mile from the scene of the crash. Police arrested Nancy Diana Flores, 21, of Paramount in connection with the hit-and-run. Police were unable to determine whether Flores was intoxicated at the time of the crash because they did not locate her in time to test her blood for alcohol. She was arrested on felony hit-and-run and manslaughter charges. The crash is under investigation.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Based on this news report, it is not clear if Roth was in a crosswalk at the time of the collision. However, it does appear that the driver in this case not only struck and severely injured the pedestrian, but also left him lying in the roadway exposed to grave danger. California law requires drivers to stop and remain at the scene of a crash.
Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), it is illegal to leave the scene of an injury or fatal crash, regardless of whose fault the accident may have been. In addition to stopping and remaining at the scene of the crash, drivers must also exchange pertinent information with other parties involved and most importantly, render aid to injured victims at the scene. In this particular case, the driver did none of the above and simply drove away.
Holding Wrongdoers Accountable
Our Newport Beach personal injury attorneys are relieved to note that the driver in this case was apprehended. We are passionate about the pursuit of justice and fair compensation for car accident victims and their families, including those who have been affected by hit-and-run accidents. Families that have lost their loved ones in a hit-and-run crash suffer emotionally and financially. An experienced car accident attorney can help them explore all potential avenues of compensation in such cases including the uninsured motorist clause of their own auto insurance policies.