POMONA, CA (October 18, 2022) – A 25-year-old woman accused of slamming a vehicle into a Pomona taco stand, killing Gilberto Cazares Payan and injuring as many as a dozen other people, was charged with vehicular manslaughter and other counts, the District Attorney’s Office announced today.
Diana Beatriz Martinezumana was also charged Monday with two counts of hit-and-run resulting in death or serious injury and eight counts of reckless driving causing injury, according to prosecutors.
It was unclear when Martinezumana, who is free on bond, will be arraigned.
The crash occurred just before 7:45 p.m. Friday in the area of West Holt Avenue and Dudley Street, near Kiwanis Park, according to the Pomona Police Department.
The driver, a Pomona resident, was going eastbound on Holt Avenue when the vehicle veered into westbound lanes, crashing into the taco stand, police said.
The vehicle’s driver fled the scene and officers began actively searching for her,” police said. “More than an hour later, the suspect returned to the scene and turned herself in.”
The crash killed Gilberto Cazares Payan, 52, according to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office. Payan’s goddaughter told ABC7 that the father of four was picking up dinner at the taco stand when the crash occurred.
[via City News Service]
Liability In Pomona 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 Gilberto Cazares Payan’s Pedestrian Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Gilberto Cazares Payan. 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.