Police arrested the driver who put 18-year-old female pedestrian on life support
August 05, 2024 | Montclair, CA
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A hit-and-run collision near Benito Street and Central Avenue in Montclair early Monday claimed the life of 18-year-old Isabel Yepez, according to authorities.
Yepez was reportedly coming back from a visit to her friend when, around 5:17 a.m., she was struck by a driver who, police said, fled the scene. The 18-year-old was on life support for a day until her family decided against it.
Isabel Yepez (GoFundMe)Isabel Yepez, 18, was put on life support after being severely injured in a hit-and-run crash near Benito Street and Central Avenue in Montclair early Monday, according to police.
"We're super broken," said a family member. "We want justice." A GoFundMe has been created to help pay for Yepez's funeral services.
Montclair police arrested the driver, who, according to the latest court records, pleaded not guilty to felony hit-and-run charges.
This is an active investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
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.”
Added Bond, the national analyst for Newsline, “The driver always has to take great care behind the wheel.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of Isabel Yepez 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.”
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
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).