The vehicle fled after striking her near 73rd Avenue
August 08, 2026 | Oakland, CA
What happened in the crash?
Maribel Matias, 24, was fatally struck by a vehicle near 73rd and Garfield avenues in Oakland, and the driver fled the scene
- Date: Aug. 8
- Location: Corner of 73rd and Garfield Avenues, Oakland, CA
- Victim: Maribel Matias, 24
- Incident: Struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run
- Details: Incident occurred directly in front of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, across from the Oakland Police Department Eastmont Substation; driver fled the scene
- Survivors: Leaves behind a 7-year-old daughter
The accident remains under active investigation by Oakland police.
Why do these accidents happen?
In 2023, approximately 25% of U.S. pedestrian fatalities occurred in hit-and-run crashes, according to data from the Federal Highway Administration. Over 1,800 pedestrian deaths resulted from these incidents nationwide. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, yet statistics show more than one hit-and-run crash occurs every minute on U.S. roads. Common factors include drivers who are intoxicated, unlicensed, or fear arrest.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted promptly to protect a family’s rights. Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence. Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that must be examined.
Key takeaways from Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal:
- Independent investigations help establish negligence in hit-and-run cases
- Road infrastructure details often play a critical role in determining liability
- Families deserve justice and compensation after such tragedies
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 best interests are taken care of.
Key takeaways from Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal:
- Family members may pursue damages for loss of companionship and emotional distress
- Timely legal support helps navigate complex investigations
- Relatives of victims are entitled to seek compensation for pain and suffering
Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Fatality Statistics
| Source | Statistic | Year |
|---|
| Federal Highway Administration | 25% of U.S. pedestrian fatalities in hit-and-runs | 2023 |
| Federal Highway Administration | Over 1,800 pedestrian deaths from hit-and-runs | 2023 |
| CDC | Hit-and-runs account for ~25% of pedestrian deaths | Recent years |
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).
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