Gray sedan struck man riding scooter and driver fled scene
February 08, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA
A 40-year-old man lost his life in a hit-and-run crash in Los Angeles on Feb. 8.
Danny Torrez II, 40, died after a gray sedan struck him while he was riding a scooter and the driver fled the scene on Whittier Boulevard near Ferris Avenue in Los Angeles.
- Victim: Danny Torrez II, 40
- Location: Whittier Boulevard near Ferris Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
- Vehicles Involved: Scooter and gray sedan
- Agency: California Highway Patrol (CHP)
- Outcome: Driver fled, and investigation ongoing
What Happened in the Crash?
Danny Torrez II was riding a scooter along Whittier Boulevard when a gray sedan struck him. The collision proved fatal, and the driver escaped without stopping. CHP officers responded quickly, securing the area and launching a search for the suspect vehicle.
Authorities urge witnesses to come forward with details that could aid in identifying the driver. Hit-and-run incidents like this underscore the dangers faced by vulnerable road users such as scooter riders.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur?
Fleeing the scene often stems from fear of consequences, including intoxication or unlicensed driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over one in 10 fatal crashes in California involves a hit-and-run.
Common factors include:
Factor |
Description |
Source |
|---|
Intoxication |
Drivers under the influence panic and leave |
NHTSA |
No License |
Unlicensed operators avoid detection |
CHP Reports |
Poor Visibility |
Dim lighting or signage contributes to errors |
Federal Highway Administration |
High Speeds |
Excessive velocity in urban areas |
CDC Traffic Safety Data |
This table highlights preventable elements that investigators examine closely.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the value of thorough investigations in hit-and-run cases.
“In cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney to protect the rights of a victim’s family,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Having the proper resources is crucial to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence. Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all potential contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
Key takeaways:
- Independent reviews uncover hidden negligence.
- Families gain support through detailed evidence gathering.
- Compensation covers losses like companionship and distress.
For wrongful death matters:
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
- Pursue claims for emotional and financial effects.
- Legal guidance ensures comprehensive case handling.
- Timely action preserves evidence and rights.
Families of Danny Torrez II may qualify for wrongful death claims, seeking remedies for profound losses.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(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).