Ceres, CA — A hit-and-run collision early Saturday morning, August 25, 2024, has left a pedestrian identified as 40-year-old Johnny Perez dead in Ceres, and authorities are now searching for the driver responsible, according to The Modesto Bee.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that Perez was struck around 3:50 AM on Morgan Road.
Emergency personnel arrived at the scene near Marchy Lane to find Perez lying unresponsive in the roadway. Despite immediate efforts, Perez was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving a family and community in mourning.
The area where the accident occurred is a mix of residential and rural spaces, where early morning traffic is generally light. Morgan Road serves as a key route for local residents, making the hit-and-run all the more shocking for those who live nearby.
The CHP currently has limited information on the vehicle involved in the collision. Authorities have asked the public to be vigilant and report any vehicle showing signs of recent damage to its right front bumper and front fender.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Motorists bear an added responsibility, known as the “Duty of Care,” towards pedestrians due to their heightened vulnerability in car accidents, often leading to pedestrian fatalities.
For those who have lost someone in a vehicular fatality, a Wrongful Death claim, made with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, can provide compensation to alleviate the financial strain of laying their loved one to rest.
If the at-fault driver evades legal consequences, compensation might still be accessible through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Seeking advice from a personal injury attorney can help ascertain the most suitable options in such circumstances.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
