The 26-year-old was first struck by a tan vehicle going northbound on Highway 101, officials say
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA, (September 01, 2024) - An Oxnard resident lost his life after being hit by multiple motorists—one of whom fled the scene. The crash happened near San Luis Obispo on Sept. 1.
Cesar Salinas-Ruiz, a 26-year-old Oxnard resident, was struck and killed by multiple vehicles along Highway 101 near San Luis Obispo Sunday night, according to police.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim as Cesar Salinas-Ruiz.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Salinas-Ruiz was struck around 8:33 p.m. by an older model tan vehicle, possibly a Toyota Camry, heading northbound on Highway 101 south of Madonna Road. Shortly afterward, multiple vehicles crashed into the 26-year-old as he lay in the roadway.
The first car that hit Salinas-Ruiz did not stop at the scene, and no information is available about its driver.
Authorities are investigating.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Failure to remain on the collision site can attract criminal charges, and the victim can also pursue a case against the driver.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (COTS), in 2018, around 893 pedestrians were killed on California roadways, a 26% increase from 2014.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney and a Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
Added Bond, the national analyst for Newsline, “The driver always has to take great care behind the wheel.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Cesar Salinas-Ruiz may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
If your loved one has been killed by a hit-and-run driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analysts Candice Bond and Stefano Formica today
(Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for Newsline. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).