California Injury Blog
Michael Fiorillo, 24, of Huntington Beach, and Jadelynn Kwok, 18, of El Monte, were both killed in a car accident on the 91 Freeway near Compton early morning on May 7.
According to the Los Angeles Times, California Highway Patrol officials responded to a call about a traffic collision and initially reported it to be a fatal crash caused by street racing.
The driver of a Honda hit and left side of a 2000 Toyota 4Runner, causing the Toyota to strike a pole on the right shoulder of the highway.
Hit-and-Run Collision
According to the coroner’s report, the driver of the Toyota, identified as Fiorillo, and his passenger, Kwok, were both pronounced deceased at the scene. The Honda driver left the scene of the crash and was last seen heading east on the 91 Freeway west of Acacia Avenue. The hit-and-run driver is still at large. California Highway Patrol officials are seeking the public’s help in locating the driver. Anyone with information is asked to contact CHP officials at 424-551-4000.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of Michael Fiorillo and Jadelynn Kwok. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Violation of Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Honda struck the Toyota leaving its occupants fatally injured, and then fled the scene of the crash. It is also unclear if the driver of the Honda was speeding or driving recklessly at the time. Regardless of the circumstances of the crash, it is against the law and a felony crime to leave the scene of an injury or fatal crash.
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.”
Justice and Compensation
In such cases, families of hit-and-run victims are not just left with the grief of losing loved ones, but also unforeseen costs relating to medical and funeral expenses. Families would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims’ families about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a case where the hit-and-run driver has not been apprehended or where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-05-02/chp-searching-for-hit-and-run-driver-who-killed-2-on-91-freeway