Newport Beach, CA (July 16, 2024) – A tragic accident occurred at Jamboree Road and Sea Vista Drive in Newport Beach, resulting in the death of 46-year-old Roman Lizaola-Montano from Santa Ana.
Accident Details: The accident occurred at Jamboree Road and Sea Vista Drive. A 30-year-old named Jesus Bartolo struck Lizaola-Montano with his vehicle and fled the scene. Police caught him at Jamboree Road and Santa Barbara Drive. He has been booked on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and subsequently bailed out. Lizaola-Montano died at the scene.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. Establishing the circumstances leading to the collision is crucial. Investigators will need to determine whether Bartolo was driving recklessly, under the influence, or distracted, which could significantly impact the severity of the charges and potential compensation. Eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, and forensic analysis of the vehicle and crash scene will play a vital role in this determination. The fact that Bartolo fled the scene after the collision adds another layer of legal complexity. California law takes hit-and-run incidents very seriously, and Bartolo’s decision to leave the scene could result in harsher penalties. This behavior might indicate an attempt to avoid responsibility, which could affect both criminal proceedings and civil claims. The civil claim Lizaola-Montano’s family may be able to bring is called a wrongful death claim. Under this claim, they may be able to recover compensation for the loss of their loved one, including loss of financial support, emotional distress, and funeral and burial expenses.
My sincerest condolences are with the family and friends of Roman Lizaola-Montano during this difficult time.
Source: LA Times