Hit-and-run crash was at Van Ness Avenue and 135th Street, officials say
GARDENA, CA, (February 02, 2025) - The Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner has identified Patricia Ware as the victim of a deadly two-vehicle collision Sunday morning near Rowley Park in Gardena.
Patricia Ware, 76, was fatally injured after her car was struck by a vehicle that ran a red light at Van Ness Avenue and 135th Street in Gardena Sunday morning, according to a news release.
The incident happened around 7:38 a.m. near the intersection of Van Ness Avenue and 135th Street.
According to preliminary findings, Marian James, age 29, was driving a vehicle southbound on Van Ness Avenue when she disregarded the red light at 135th Street and slammed into another car traveling eastbound on 135th. The driver of the second vehicle, identified as 76-year-old Ware, died at the scene as a result of injuries, police said.
James reportedly took off. She was later arrested outside of her home in the city of Los Angeles.
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 Patricia Ware 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 Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“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 you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a hit-and-run 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).