A bicyclist was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver in West Covina Monday night.
The accident occurred at 11:50 p.m. on northbound South Valinda Ave. The driver, identified as 25-year-old Glendora resident Presley Danielle Rodriguez, fled the scene after striking the bicyclist. A West Covina policy officer who heard the crash saw her vehicle attempting to flee the scene. The officer followed and arrested Rodriguez on suspected DUI and felony hit-and-run.
The victim, 44-year-old La Puente resident Jose Ruiz-Villanueva, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
Surge in Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents
Our Pasadena personal injury law firm has seen a surge in bicycle accidents involving hit-and-run drivers. Statistically speaking, most hit-and-run drivers are never caught. After a hit-and-run accident, it is critically important to canvass the area as soon as possible for witnesses or video surveillance footage that may have captured the accident and provide a clue as to the identity of the hit and run driver.
If your or a loved one has suffered injury or death as the result of a bicycle accident or hit-and-run accident, you should seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer. Even if the hit-and-run driver is never identified, the cyclist or his or her family may be able to make an uninsured motorist claim under their own auto insurance policy.
For a free consultation with a lawyer 24/7 (not an answering service, not voicemail), call McGee, Lerer & Associates. We're here when you need us.