California Injury Blog
Patricia Ann Wallace, 47, was killed in a September 20, 2009 Riverside car accident when she was hit by a car as she crossed Highway 74 in Perris, California. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, Wallace was pronounced dead at the site of the accident . The driver who hit Wallace fled the scene, but was later arrested and identified as 25-year-old Ignacio Villasenor. A dark-colored 1991 Honda CRX, which Villasenor was said to have been driving at the time of the fatal car accident has not been found. Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies believe that that the car has substantial front-end damage. Investigators also believe Villasenor was street racing at the time. If you witnessed this accident, please contact the Perris Police Department at 951-210-1000.
I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Patricia Ann Wallace for their irreparable loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Wallace. Please keep them in your prayers.
Riverside Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two deaths and nine injuries were reported in Perris, California, as a result of pedestrian accidents. In Riverside County as a whole, there were 43 deaths and 393 injuries in 2007 involving pedestrian accidents.
I’m glad police have apprehended the man they believe responsible for this fatal hit-and-run car accident. If Villasenor did in fact cause this crash, I hope he gets prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and that Wallace’s family gets the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve.
California Car Accident Laws
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: “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.”
In California, racing on a public street or a highway is illegal. California Vehicle Code section 23109 (a) states: “A person shall not engage in a motor vehicle speed contest on a highway. As used in this section, a motor vehicle speed contest includes a motor vehicle race against another vehicle, a clock, or other timing device.”
Wallace’s family would be well-advised to retain the services of a reputed Riverside personal injury lawyer who will help them legally pursue the negligent parties here and secure fair compensation for their tragic loss. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims may file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral expenses, loss of earnings and other related damages.
A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also help the family understand how the uninsured/underinsured clause in their car insurance policy will apply to a hit-and-run car accident and guide them in claiming compensation when an at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance or is completely uninsured.
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our source for the facts is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, please contact us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. Most of the best law firms will provide accident victims a free consultation.
We cannot fully inform any party or family member about their rights, options or the economic viability of any claim for compensation without a full investigation and consultation. We will not be conducting an investigation into this matter unless we are retained by a party. We will provide a free, confidential consultation to any, not at fault, person named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.