[08-11-2022] Orange County, CA- Husband Killed, Wife Injured after Hit-and-Run Crash in Laguna Beach, Driver Arrested

According to authorities, a Costa Mesa woman was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter in the hit and run death of a 60-year-old Costa Mesa man and injuring his wife as they crossed South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach on Thursday, August 11, 2022.

According to the police, around 9:38 p.m. on Thursday, the couple was walking in lit, well-marked crosswalk at Pearl Street when a silver Volkswagen Jetta drove through the intersection without stopping. When officers arrived, they discovered a man with life-threatening injuries and a woman with minor injuries.

According to a press release, investigators later discovered the couple was married and visiting Laguna Beach to celebrate their anniversary.

Paramedics from Laguna Beach responded to the scene, and the couple was taken to Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo. The man died in the hospital from his injuries. The woman was treated for minor injuries before being released from the hospital.

According to a Laguna Beach police press release, the deceased was identified as Stanley I. of Costa Mesa.

According to a press release issued on Friday, investigators credit members of the public with assisting in the identification of the driver.

Sysillia Morrison Montes D., 18, of Costa Mesa, turned herself in around 6 p.m. Friday to Laguna Beach police. She was arrested on suspicion of felony hit and run and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. Morrison Montes De Oca was released pending arraignment after posting the $100,000 bail set by state law.

The suspect vehicle, a silver 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, was discovered inside an Aliso Viejo garage by Laguna Beach police. The car has been seized as evidence.

The presence of drugs and/or alcohol as a factor in the traffic collision has not been ruled out by investigators. They believe that speeding played a role in the incident.

FATAL HIT-AND-RUN CRASH STATISTICS

In this case, the hit-and-run driver is to blame for leaving the victim behind and evading arrest. After being apprehended, the offender will almost certainly be charged with a crime.

Running away from the scene of an accident is a crime in and of itself. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are still common on US highways.

In 2016, approximately 2,049 people were killed in hit-and-run accidents in the United States. Every year, over 682,000 hit-and-run accidents occur in the United States.

Hit-and-run drivers frequently flee the scene due to intoxication, driving without a license, or fear of being apprehended.

ORANGE COUNTY HIT-AND-RUN ACCIDENT LAWYERS

When a traffic accident occurs, all California drivers must exit the roadway safely and wait for help to arrive. Failure to stop and wait for the police to come is a felony or a serious offense.

Those injured or lost a loved one due to a hit-and-run driver should contact a skilled California hit-and-run accident attorney.

Our Orange County hit-and-run accident attorneys at Arash Law have extensive experience defending California pedestrians injured or killed in collisions with motorists who failed to stop or flee. As a result, we are very familiar with the relevant legislation.

Our lawyers spend significant time learning about our client’s cases and issues to obtain the best possible settlements or jury verdicts for them. To speak with a hit-and-run lawyer, dial (888) 488-1391.