Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

LOS ANGELES COUNTY -- According to the Los Angeles Times, a woman was killed and her sister critically injured after they were struck by a car in blank. The horrific accident happened at about 9:25 p.m. Sunday on Erwin Street just west of Vesper. It was reported that the driver of a 1995 Lexus ES300, Alfonso Garnica-Mozgueda, 33, was traveling at an excessive speed of 50 to 75 mph on a 25 mph street, lost control, and struck 39-year-old Christina Lynn Ruvalcaba, along with the truck she was standing next to. Ruvalcaba's sister, Blanca Ruvalcaba, 34, was inside the truck and thrown several feet, landing on the sidewalk.

Following this accident, Garnica-Mozgueda fled the scene on foot and was later arrested at his home. Christina Lynn Ruvalcaba suffered major injuries and was transported to a hospital where she later died. Blanca Ruvalcaba sustained moderate injuries and was hospitalized. Blanca's 7-week-old daughter was also inside the truck, but was not hurt after the crash.

Cause of the Pedestrian Accident in Van Nuys

If the information provided by the Los Angeles Times and KTLA News are accurate, the driver may be at fault for the collision due to traveling at "a high rate of speed," and fleeing the scene of an accident. Under the California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a): "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."

Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

Accidents such as this one on December 4th, appears to be caused by negligent and reckless driving. Therefore, while the investigation of the accident is ongoing, the injured victim or the family of the deceased victim would be well-advised to speak to an experienced Los Angeles hit-and-run accident lawyer. A compassionate attorney who understands fatal incidents such as this one, can help the family protect their legal rights, and hold the driver financially liable for victim's injuries and the tragic and unexpected loss of their loved one. Compensation in a personal injury or wrongful death claim can include and are not limited to funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, loss or love, care, affection, and companionship.