According to a news report in The Signal, the fatal accident occurred on Orchard Village Road near Mill Valley Road the night of September 14, 2015.
When they arrived at the scene, deputies discovered the body of an unidentified female lying in the northbound lanes of Orchard Village Road.
The woman, who was in her 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials are investigating the case as a hit-and-run. They have not released the identity of the victim.
Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station at 661-255-1121.
Hit-and-Run Statistics
This incident marks the second fatal crash involving a pedestrian in less than 24 years. Around 6 a.m. on September 14, Joshua Munoz, 18, was hit by a car as he ran across Whites Canyon Road. He also died at the scene.
According to the California Highway Patrol’s 2013 statistics, there were 297 fatalities and 18,351 injuries reported as a result of hit-and-run crashes statewide in 2013. Of those, 168 deaths and 1,952 injuries involved pedestrians.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver not only struck and fatally injured the elderly woman, but left her lying in the darkened roadway. Outrageous! Not only is leaving the scene of a crash irresponsible and inhumane, but it is also illegal.
California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.” Not only is leaving the scene of a crash illegal, but it is also an inhumane and irresponsible act.
Holding Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable
We hope that the hit-and-run driver in this case is apprehended and brought to justice. If you have any information about this incident or the driver, please visit our dedicated hit-and-run site at hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and to become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.
Families of deceased hit-and-run drivers would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.
A knowledgeable attorney will also be able advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to an incident where the hit-and-run driver has not been identified or in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.