The tragedy unfolded near the intersection of Rio Vista Street and Wagner Avenue, officials say
ANAHEIM, CA, (October 08, 2024) - A woman out for her routine walk in Anaheim Tuesday night was fatally struck by a suspected drunk driver, who now faces felony DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter, police said in a news release.
Jessica Ferrino, 49, tragically lost her life after being hit by an allegedly impaired driver near Rio Vista Street and Wagner Avenue in Anaheim Tuesday night, according to police.
The victim has been identified as 49-year-old Jessica Ferrino, a special education teacher.
According to preliminary reports, a silver Mercedes Benz traveling at a high rate of speed crashed into a fence near the intersection of Rio Vista Street and Wagner Avenue around 8:30 p.m. The driver continued onto a walking path and struck the Anaheim resident. Investigators say the Mercedes driver—a 33-year-old Santa Ana local—lost control while attempting a 90-degree left turn onto Rio Vista.
The Santa Ana driver was treated at a hospital before being booked into jail, officials said.
Authorities are investigating.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
This accident was clearly preventable. Impaired drivers are a risk to everyone on the road, and can senselessly ruin people's lives.
California remained the state with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities, though its numbers had decreased. In 2019, California had 1,020 pedestrian traffic fatalities, increasing to 1,026 in the year 2020 before falling to 958 in 2021.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“It is always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian.”
Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, noted that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim's family.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Jessica Ferrino may pursue 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 tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected."
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. 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).