Marquis ran a red light, hitting Garcia with a shopping cart in Palmdale
November 01, 2025 | Palmdale, CA
Jeanette Garcia, a 38-year-old resident of Palmdale, lost her life in a hit-and-run crash early on November 1, when a vehicle struck her near a busy intersection.
Authorities from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department quickly tracked down the driver, leading to an arrest on felony charges.
Jeanette Garcia, 38, of Palmdale, was killed by a Mercury Grand Marquis on Avenue S at 20th Street East in Los Angeles County.
What Happened in the Palmdale Hit-and-Run?
Jeanette Garcia was pushing a shopping cart across Avenue S near 20th Street East around 4:13 a.m. on November 1. A 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis ran a red light and struck her, according to sheriff's investigators.
- Victim Details: Jeanette Garcia, 38, of Palmdale
- Date and Time: November 1, 2025, approximately 4:13 a.m.
- Location: Near 20th Street East and Avenue S, Palmdale, California
- Vehicle Involved: 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
- Incident Summary: Driver fled after collision; vehicle and suspect located later in Palmdale
- Suspect Status: Arrested on suspicion of multiple felony charges; identity not released
The crash highlights the dangers pedestrians face at intersections, especially during early morning hours when visibility may be limited.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur in California?
Hit-and-run incidents remain a significant concern on California roads, often linked to factors like intoxication, lack of licensure or fear of legal consequences. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that California leads the nation in such cases among fatal crashes.
Statistic |
California (2017-2021) |
National Average |
|---|
Fatal Hit-and-Run Crashes |
1,901 |
6.33% of total fatal crashes |
Percentage of Fatal Crashes |
10.48% |
Not Available |
Total Fatal Crashes |
18,137 |
Not Available |
Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
These figures underscore the need for thorough investigations to hold drivers accountable and improve road safety measures.
Legal Insights from National Analysts
Newsline consulted with experienced legal professionals to provide context on handling hit-and-run cases. Insights focus on broad practices for motor vehicle incidents involving pedestrians.
“Having the proper resources is crucial to investigating a hit-and-run accident case and proving negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “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 Takeaway 1: Independent investigations by attorneys can uncover factors like poor lighting or road conditions overlooked in initial reports.
- Key Takeaway 2: Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship and emotional distress, ensuring rights are protected throughout the process.
“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.”
- Key Takeaway 3: Staying engaged with official probes helps families navigate complex legal landscapes effectively.
- Key Takeaway 4: Compensation aims to address both financial and emotional tolls on surviving relatives.
Who Investigates Hit-and-Run Cases Like This One?
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department led the response, locating the suspect vehicle shortly after the crash. Such investigations often involve traffic reconstruction experts and coordination with district attorneys for charging decisions.
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
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).