National City, CA (September 28, 2024) – On Saturday, September 28, 2024, Alejandro Contreras, 30, tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run accident at the intersection of Sweetwater Road and Orange Street in National City.
Accident Details: According to police reports, Contreras was returning home around 2:30 a.m. when he was struck by a vehicle while crossing Sweetwater Road. The driver, later identified as 43-year-old Bennie Ray Womack, allegedly exited his vehicle, moved the injured Contreras to the side of the road, and fled the scene. Paramedics arrived and rushed Contreras to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Eight hours after the crash, police arrested Womack, though the details of how he was located remain unclear.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several factors warrant investigation to determine the full scope of liability.
Hit-and-Run: California law mandates that drivers involved in accidents must stay at the scene. Leaving Contreras injured and abandoning him on the roadside may lead to significant legal consequences if the investigation confirms that Womack failed to act responsibly in providing aid or notifying authorities. Additionally, Womack’s decision to move Contreras could be considered harmful if it aggravated his injuries.
Hazardous Road Conditions: Family members also point to unsafe conditions at the accident site. The lack of functioning crosswalk lights, poor lighting, and high speeds on Sweetwater Road may have contributed to the crash. These conditions could place partial responsibility on the local municipality if the investigation determines that the city neglected to address known dangers.
Wrongful Death: The family of Alejandro Contreras may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim against the negligent party and recover compensation for their loss.
Condolences: Alejandro Contreras’s family are left devastated by this sudden loss. A GoFundMe has been established to help pay for his final expenses. My heart goes out to Alejandro Contreras’s loved ones during this heartbreaking time. I hope the investigation uncovers what happened and provides the answers they need.
Source: 10 News