Driver ran stop sign and hit pedestrian crossing with dog in Emerald Hills
February 14, 2026 | Emerald Hills, CA
A hit-and-run collision on Roswell Street left 22-year-old Eduardo Ramos with serious injuries and resulted in the death of his family's 10-year-old Chihuahua on Feb. 14 in the Emerald Hills area of San Diego.
Eduardo Ramos, 22, was seriously injured after a dark-colored sedan ran a stop sign and struck him while crossing Roswell Street in San Diego.
What Happened in the Crash?
Ramos was walking across Roswell Street near his family's home when a dark-colored sedan sped through a stop sign and struck him and the dog. The driver fled the scene, abandoning Ramos in the roadway approximately 100 yards from his residence. Emergency responders transported Ramos to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery on his legs, including the insertion of a metal plate and screws.
- Date and Time: Feb. 14, around midday.
- Location: Roswell Street, Emerald Hills neighborhood, San Diego.
- Vehicle Involved: Dark-colored sedan.
- Injuries: Serious leg injuries to Ramos requiring surgical intervention, and the Chihuahua was killed on collision.
- Response: San Diego Police Department is actively investigating to identify the fleeing driver.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Ramos's recovery and medical costs. Contributions can be made here.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur in California?
Hit-and-run incidents pose a significant threat to pedestrian safety, often stemming from drivers' fear of legal repercussions or impairment. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian-involved hit-and-runs rose by 12% in 2022 compared to prior years, highlighting a growing public safety concern.
Year |
Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Incidents |
Percentage Change |
Source |
|---|
2021 |
15,000 (estimated) |
Not Available |
California Office of Traffic Safety |
2022 |
16,800 (estimated) |
+12% |
California Office of Traffic Safety |
National Trend (2022) |
65,000+ total hit-and-runs |
+5% annually |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Data underscores the urgency for stricter enforcement and awareness campaigns to deter drivers from fleeing crash scenes.
Legal Insights on Hit-and-Run Cases
National legal analysts emphasize the critical role of thorough investigations in hit-and-run scenarios to safeguard victims' rights and pursue accountability.
“In cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted promptly to protect the victim’s rights,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has been injured receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve. An attorney can also ensure that a hit-and-run driver is held accountable for reckless actions.”
- Fleeing a crash site is a felony offense in California, potentially leading to severe penalties, including imprisonment.
- Victims may qualify for compensation covering medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
- Early involvement of legal professionals can counter insurance tactics aimed at minimizing payouts.
- Independent investigations help gather evidence like witness statements and surveillance footage, often overlooked by initial police reports.
“Pending investigation results, victims in personal injury scenarios may pursue a lawsuit. The stress following a serious injury can disrupt family, work, and finances,” noted Stefano Formica, managing partner with Bond Legal. “It is vital to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, allowing negotiation with insurers on the client’s behalf. Insurance companies often pressure for quick, low settlements, but an attorney will advocate for fair compensation.”
How Can Victims Seek Justice After a Hit-and-Run?
San Diego authorities urge witnesses to come forward with information to aid the ongoing investigation. Ramos's family expresses gratitude for community support amid this challenging time.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, is experienced in pedestrian accidents involving serious injuries. She is available for a free consultation if you or a family member needs assistance.
(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).