EspañolFemale Pedestrian Killed In Hit-And-Run Car Accident Involving Uber Driver In Costa Mesa By Newport Boulevard and Harbor Boulevard
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA (March 8, 2024) – A woman has tragically died in a Costa Mesa hit-and-run car accident with an Uber driver by Newport Boulevard and Harbor Boulevard.
Orange County officials are saying that the accident took place around 12:25 a.m. on Sunday. A 47-year-old woman was crossing the street when she was hit by a rideshare driver.
The Uber driver involved in the crash did not stick around and fled the scene. Paramedics and police arrived at the scene in order to help the victim.
She sustained a life-threatening head injury and was taken to the hospital. Despite life-saving measures, she later died at the hospital.
The police spent the next 48 hours contacting witnesses and examining evidence. They were able to locate a suspect who has been identified as Thomas Loranze Henry, 43, of Ontario.
He has since been charged with vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Costa Mesa Hit-And-Run Car Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in hit-and-run collisions each year. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, “There were an estimated 737,100 hit-and-run crashes in 2015 (NHTSA, 2016). This translates to a hit-and-run crash happening somewhere in the U.S. every 43 seconds. The 2,049 fatalities that resulted from hit-and-run crashes in 2016 were the highest number ever recorded (NHTSA, 2017).” There are a number of common causes of hit-and-run collisions.
- A large portion of hit-and-run collisions involve drunk drivers.
- Many hit-and-run collisions occur at intersections.
- Hit-and-run collisions are more likely to occur when drivers are speeding.
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway that is close enough so as to pose a hazard. Drivers should also use their horns when necessary to alert pedestrians to their presence. If a driver fails to slow down in order to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Depending on the facts of any case, Uber could be responsible if someone is injured or killed in an accident involving one of their drivers. This will typically be the case if an Uber driver is at fault and they are either transporting a passenger or on their way to pick one up. If an Uber driver did not have the app turned on and was not transporting a passenger, then the driver of the vehicle would typically be solely at fault. It is important that certain steps are taken after any Uber accident.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Data from the Uber app should be downloaded.
- An experienced Uber accident attorney should be consulted.
The vast majority of pedestrian accidents are preventable. They are much more likely to occur when drivers are distracted and not adequately paying attention to the road ahead of them. It is important that accident victims understand their rights. The family of any person who died in an Uber accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Costa Mesa Hit-And-Run Uber Accidents
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our deepest condolences to the family of the woman killed in this collision. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a Costa Mesa hit-and-run collision? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates is here to help in any way that we can. 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 any type of support, we may be able to assist you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
