Riverside County, CA (February 18, 2025) – Authorities are investigating a fatal hit-and-run collision that occurred in Riverside County late Sunday night. Lake Elsinore sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a man lying on the roadway.
Emergency responders arrived at the location, but the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. Based on evidence, investigators believe it was a hit-and-run. Investigators are asking the public for assistance in identifying the driver driving a dark-colored vehicle with front-end damage.
My experience as a personal injury attorney shows me that there are several legal questions that should be investigated, as reports don’t always lay out the entire story. Understanding the factors that led to this collision is essential.
How Did the Vehicle Hit the Pedestrian?
In this case, not a lot of information is known about how the pedestrian was fatally hit by the hit-and-run vehicle. Investigators will be able to piece together the events leading up to the collision by gathering information from eyewitness accounts and surveillance cameras. This may be able to help investigators understand the driver’s identity as well as the driver’s behavior that led to the crash, such as potential speeding or distracted driving.
Can Someone File a Wrongful Death Case in a Hit-and-Run?
The victim’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim against the driver once they are identified. This type of claim could provide compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional suffering. Even if the driver is not immediately identified, investigations can continue through traffic camera footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence from the scene.
Legal Considerations
The driver is still unidentified, and the investigation will likely rely on traffic camera footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence from the scene to track down the vehicle involved. My deepest condolences go out to the victim’s family and loved ones.
Source: KTLA