California Injury Blog
Jade Maldonado, 14, was killed in a San Bernardino pedestrian accident, which officials say, involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in the San Bernardino Sun, the teen was struck near Glasgow Avenue and Pacific Street the morning of Sept. 28. Police say she was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk on her way to Pacific High School when a vehicle, described as a tan 2000 to 2004 GMC SUV traveling at about 40 to 50 mph, struck her and kept on driving.
Tragic Fatal Crash
She was transported to an area hospital where she underwent surgery, but succumbed to her injuries a few hours later. Family members, friends and community members held a vigil for Jade the night of Sept. 29. Teachers and friends shared stories of Jade describing a girl who had won numerous awards, was kind, hard working and had dreams of going to college. Neighbors said the street where Jade was struck and killed is notorious for speeding driving. No arrests have been made. Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to call 909-383-4247.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Jade Maldonado as well as the community that is mourning her loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Justice for Hit-and-Run Victims
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the vehicle not only struck and fatally injured Jade, but was also traveling at a high rate of speed and struck the student who was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a), motorists have a responsibility to stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians who are walking in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
In addition, all motorists are required under the law to stop immediately and remain at the scene of a crash where someone has been injured. Drivers are also required to exchange pertinent information with other parties such as driver’s license, insurance details and contact information, and most importantly, obtain help for the injured victim. Drivers who fail to do so can be charged with a felony crime under the law.
We hope San Bernardino officials find the hit-and-run driver in this case and bring him or her to justice. In such cases, victims’ families would be well advised to retain the services of an experienced San Bernardino car accident 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 help victims understand how their own auto insurance policy might apply to an incident where the hit-and-run driver has not been identified or where the at-fault driver is uninsured or undersinsured.
Source: https://www.sbsun.com/2018/09/29/vigil-is-saturday-in-san-bernardino-for-pacific-high-student-killed-in-hit-and-run/