It happened in front of the Foods Co. near East Alisal Street and Eucalyptus Street, officials say
SALINAS, CA, (September 11, 2024) - A male pedestrian tragically lost his life, and a driver is in jail following a deadly hit-and-run collision in Salinas Wednesday night, according to authorities.
Jorge Luis Lopez Saenz, 27, was arrested in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash that happened in front of the Foods Co. in Salinas Wednesday night, police said.
Jorge Luis Lopez Saenz was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail, police said.
Based on preliminary information, Saenz was behind the wheel of a vehicle when he slammed into a pedestrian in front of the Foods Co. near East Alisal Street and Eucalyptus Street. Saenz reportedly fled the scene after the collision. However, a passerby followed him and was able to get the license plate information, according to officials.
Police tracked down Saenz, 27, and booked him into jail on a host of charges, including hit-and-run causing death or injury.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Despite every warning, every memorial, every death, too many drivers keep going, knowing they’ve hit someone.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), hit-and-run deaths in the U.S. have increased an average of 7.2% each year since 2009.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney and a Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of the victim 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 such as this incident.
“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).