Driver struck pedestrian and fled scene near West 18th Street
January 23, 2026 | Antioch, CA
A 17-year-old girl lost her life in a hit-and-run incident in Antioch on Jan. 23 when a driver struck her and fled the scene, according to authorities.
The victim, Jeana Flores, was discovered on L Street between West 18th and West 10th streets, close to Antioch High School, around 3:33 a.m. The Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office confirmed her identity and the cause of death as a hit-and-run collision. Details about the suspect driver or vehicle remain undisclosed at this time.
Jeana Flores, 17, died after being struck by a vehicle in the area of L Street between West 18th and West 10th streets in Antioch, and the driver fled the scene.
The Antioch Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit is leading the investigation. Community members with any details are encouraged to contact (925) 331-7474.
What Happened in the Crash?
- Date and Time: Jan. 23, approximately 3:33 a.m.
- Location: L Street, between West 18th and West 10th streets, near Antioch High School, Antioch, CA
- Victim: Jeana Flores, 17-year-old female pedestrian
- Incident Details: Struck by an unidentified vehicle, and the driver fled the scene
- Outcome: Fatal injuries, confirmed by Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office
- Investigation: Handled by Antioch Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Continue to Rise?
Hit-and-run incidents pose a growing concern on U.S. roadways, with fatalities climbing steadily. Data from the American Automobile Association (AAA) indicates an average annual increase of 7.2% in hit-and-run deaths since 2009. Factors such as poor road conditions, inadequate lighting, and driver negligence often contribute to these tragedies.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual Increase in Hit-and-Run Deaths (Since 2009) |
7.2% average |
AAA |
Common Contributing Factors |
Road conditions, signage visibility, and lighting |
NHTSA |
Pedestrian Fatalities in Hit-and-Runs (2022 Estimate) |
Over 1,000 |
CDC |
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the critical role of thorough investigations in hit-and-run cases to establish accountability and support affected families.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve. In cases such as this, the driver always has to take great care behind the wheel.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives on motor vehicle crashes:
- Comprehensive investigations into environmental factors like lighting and signage can uncover negligence.
- Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship, pain, and emotional distress.
- Legal support ensures rights are protected throughout the official investigation.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Pending results from the ongoing investigation, Jeana Flores’ family could be eligible for a wrongful death claim to address the profound effects of this loss.
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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).