Fontana, CA (November 17, 2023) A71-year-old pedestrian lost their life on Wednesday, November 15th, after they were struck by a hit-and-run vehicle in Fontana. Gabriel Romero was later arrested for the hit-and-run fatality, according to the Fontana Police Department. Officers responded to the call of a pedestrian vs. vehicle accident just after 7:30 p.m.
The accident happened on the south side of Foothill Boulevard in eastern Fontana, between Locust Avenue and Maple Avenue. Officers arrived at the scene to find the 71-year-old pedestrian lying in the roadway. The vehicle that hit him was nowhere to be found. Paramedics called the medical examiner to come to the scene and authorities began investigating the accident.
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Through their investigation, officers learned that the suspect had been driving a white 2004 Chevrolet pickup truck. The vehicle was registered to a Hesperia address, so the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department had deputies confirm the address and registration was valid. The Fontana Police Department contacted the owner of the Chevy pickup, who was identified as 47-year-old Gabriel Romero. Officers arrested Romero on a felony hit-and-run charge and he was booked into the West Valley Detention Center, according to Fontana Pulibe Information Officer, Steven Reed.
The identity of the pedestrian hasn’t been released and is awaiting the medical examiner to contact their family.
Liability In Fontana 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 Fontana 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.
