California Injury Blog
Jesus Reyes, 63, was killed in an August 21, 2009 hit-and-run San Bernardino car accident after a driver struck the bike Reyes was riding in Rialto, California. According to a news report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Rialto police officials arrested 44-year-old Julio Romero two days after the fatal car crash, on suspicion of felony hit-and-run resulting in death. Romero is suspected of driving the van that hit and killed Reyes near North Acacia Avenue and East Madrona Street. Romero left the scene of the accident, officials said. Police say Romero could face additional criminal charges if he is found to be at fault in the collision.
Police apparently tracked Romero after speaking with his wife, Alejandra Romero. She is the registered owner of the purple 1999 Plymouth Voyager that her husband was driving at the time. The van was found several blocks away from the accident scene with a broken windshield and other damage “consistent with being” in a car accident. Romero reported the following morning that her vehicle was stolen. Police say they will recommend that prosecutors file charges against Alejandra Romero for making a false police report and being an accessory to a crime.
A Devastating Car Accident
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jesus Reyes for their heartbreaking loss. My heart goes out to this family that not only had to deal with the death of a loved one, but also with the fact that a hit-and-run driver was at large. Victims’ families rarely get closure right away in hit-and-run car accidents. In some cases, the suspect is never found. I’m glad that police did make an arrest in this case. If Romero is found guilty, he deserves to face the maximum punishment under the law.
In this bicycle accident, police still don’t know who was at fault. In such bicycle versus car accidents, fault depends on who had the right-of-way on the roadway at the time. However, if you are a motorist who is involved in an accident, you are required to stop immediately under California law–whether or not the accident was your fault. California Vehicle Code section 20001 states: “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.”
California Personal Injury Lawyer
The family of Jesus Reyes would be well-advised to consult with an experienced
California personal injury lawyer who will follow up with the police investigation, analyze all aspects of this case and make sure the family gets justice and fair compensation for their injuries, damages and loss. If there was negligence or wrongdoing involved, the family of deceased car accident victims will be able to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral expenses, lost wages, loss of love and companionship and other related damages. If the negligent party lacks car insurance, the victim or his family may be covered under the uninsured/underinsured motorist clause of his auto insurance policy or any other policy he has benefits under. These are complex issues best handled by a skilled car accident attorney with significant experience and a successful track record.