Lake Elsinore, CA (November 20, 2023) A man was struck and killed on Sunday night in Lake Elsinore. The driver then fled the scene, according to the California Highway Patrol. The fatal collision occurred around 10:00 p.m. on November 19th, on the freeway on-ramp.
A 35-year-old man was walking on the freeway on-ramp in Lake Elsinore when he was struck and killed by a vehicle. Officer Mike Lassig told City News Service that the victim is only identified as a Fontana resident. Reports indicate that he was walking in one of the on-ramp lanes when he was hit by a Toyota Camry hybrid that was driving at an unknown speed. The driver of the Toyota didn’t stop, but instead, fled the scene, leaving the victim lying in the roadway.
Lassig said that the pedestrian was wearing dark-colored clothing and would have been difficult to see for drivers at night.
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Another vehicle, a 2017 Ford Explorer took the on-ramp and ran over the pedestrian that had already been struck and was lying in the roadway. A spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol reported that the driver of the Ford couldn’t see the pedestrian. The 34-year-old Lake Elsinore resident, stopped and called 911 when he realized what had happened. The driver of the Ford remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities.
The Riverside County Fire Department sent paramedics to the scene who arrived within minutes. Sadly, the pedestrian was already deceased and they pronounced him dead at the scene. Investigators questioned the driver of the Ford and let he was allowed to leave.
Authorities are still looking for the Toyota Camry who initially hit the pedestrian and fled the scene.
Liability In Lake Elsinore Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “An estimated 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal crash-related injuries in 2017. Per trip, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash.” There are a number of factors that could lead to a pedestrian collision including:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Driver distraction
- Inclement weather
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. The family of any victim that died in a pedestrian collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Lake Elsinore Pedestrian Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person killed in this accident. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need assistance after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.