[03-02-2024] Orange County, CA – Pedestrian Killed After Hit-and-Run Crash Involving Uber Driver in Costa Mesa

A female pedestrian was killed after being struck in a hit-and-run collision involving an Uber driver in Costa Mesa early Sunday morning, March 2, 2024.

The Costa Mesa Police Department reported that officers were called to the scene shortly before 12:30 a.m. near the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and Newport Boulevard.

Officers found a 47-year-old woman lying in a southbound lane of Newport Boulevard just south of Broadway Street with what appeared to be life-threatening head injuries.

Fire personnel arrived and began life-saving measures before transporting the woman to a local trauma center. Authorities said the pedestrian later died from her injuries on Tuesday. Her identity has not been released, pending notification of next of kin by the county coroner’s office.

Police stated that the driver involved fled the scene. Following a review of witness statements, surveillance footage, and physical evidence, investigators identified the driver as Thomas H., 43, of Ontario.

Authorities said the suspect was working as a driver for the ride-sharing service Uber and was driving a silver Toyota Prius at the time of the collision.

The driver was arrested on Tuesday and booked on charges of vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run.

The investigation remains ongoing.

How Uber Accident Lawyers Can Hel

Uber accidents involve specific legal considerations because liability may depend on whether the driver was logged into the Uber platform and available for rides at the time of the crash. When a pedestrian is killed in a hit-and-run involving an Uber driver, surviving family members may seek legal guidance to better understand how rideshare insurance policies and California law apply to the incident.

Lawyers handling Uber accident cases may assist by reviewing insurance coverage, examining evidence such as witness statements and surveillance footage, and evaluating liability under rideshare regulations. This process may also include coordinating with law enforcement records and assessing potential wrongful death claims connected to the crash.

To learn more, call (888) 488-1391 or complete the “Do I Have A Case?” form to schedule a free initial consultation.

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