Driver struck women near Giddings Street then fled
January 18, 2026 | Visalia, CA
Authorities are investigating a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of 36-year-old Jessica De La Cruz at the intersection of Giddings Street and Howard Avenue.
Jessica De La Cruz, 36, died after being struck in a hit-and-run pedestrian crash at Giddings Street and Howard Avenue in Visalia.
What Happened in the Crash?
Officers responded to the scene shortly after midnight on Jan. 18, where they discovered De La Cruz lying in the roadway. She was rushed to Kaweah Health Medical Center but succumbed to her injuries.
- Date and Time: Jan. 18, after midnight
- Location: Giddings Street and Howard Avenue, Visalia, CA
- Victim: Jessica De La Cruz, 36 years old
- Vehicle Involved: Suspected 2004-2005 Honda Civic with possible front-end damage
- Status: Driver fled the scene, and investigation is ongoing
Visalia police are urging witnesses to come forward by calling 559-713-4221 with any information.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen?
Hit-and-run incidents continue to rise, posing significant risks to public safety. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), such fatalities in the U.S. have increased by an average of 7.2% annually since 2009.
Factor |
Description |
Source |
|---|
Driver Negligence |
Failure to stop after collision, often due to panic or impairment |
AAA Report |
Road Conditions |
Poor lighting, signage, or visibility contributing to accidents |
Federal Highway Administration |
Increasing Trend |
7.2% annual rise in hit-and-run deaths since 2009 |
AAA |
Investigation Needs |
Thorough examination of factors like weather and vehicle damage |
NHTSA Guidelines |
These elements highlight the need for comprehensive investigations to address underlying causes.
Legal Insights
National legal analyst emphasizes the importance of detailed investigations in hit-and-run cases.
“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.”
- Resources are vital for proving negligence in motor vehicle crashes.
- Factors like road conditions must be examined to establish liability.
- Justice for families requires thorough procedural reviews.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, addresses support for affected families.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Formica. “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.”
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for loss of companionship and emotional distress.
- Legal representation ensures rights are safeguarded during investigations.
- Ongoing updates from authorities aid in building strong cases.
Pending results, De La Cruz's family could be eligible for a wrongful death claim to seek compensation.
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(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).