California Injury Blog
Officials are looking for a hit and run driver who they say struck and killed 82-year-old Ramon Reyno the morning of Aug. 24 in La Puente. According to a KTLA news report, officials say Reyno was walking along Valley Boulevard west of Giano Avenue when a pickup truck struck him. The vehicle was traveling west on Valley Boulevard when it veered right, crossed over the sidewalk and hit the pedestrian. Reyno was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries.
Ongoing Investigation
The pickup truck fled the scene of the crash, continuing west on Valley. California Highway Patrol officials described the hit-and-run vehicle as a white 1990s Ford Ranger with a landscaping business logo on the doors and landscaping equipment in the truck’s open bed area. The vehicle possibly has a broken right-side headlight and damage along the right side. The authorities did not provide a detailed description of the driver. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact CHP officials at 626-338-1164.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of Ramon Reyno for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the pickup truck veered out of control, crossed over the sidewalk and struck the pedestrian, Reyno. It is unclear what may have caused the driver to lose control. Regardless of how or why a crash occurs, California law requires motorists to stop at the scene of a crash and remain there until authorities arrive. The law also requires drivers to exchange pertinent information and obtain help for the injured victims. Leaving the scene of a major injury or fatal crash is a felony crime in California.
Families of deceased hit-and-run victims are often left with emotional and financial losses to deal with in the aftermath. In such cases, victims’ families may be able to seek compensation through the uninsured motorist claim of their own auto insurance policy. If the driver is identified and apprehended, the at-fault driver and his or her employer may be held responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused.
In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and loss of love, care and companionship. An experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer will be able to help guide victims and their families through what can be a complex legal process.
Source: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/man-82-dies-after-being-struck-by-truck-in-la-puente-area-hit-and-run-driver-sought-chp/