Authorities said the driver fled after a mini-bike wreck at 39th Street
June 11, 2026 | Sacramento, CA
SACRAMENTO, CA — A 9-year-old girl died and her father suffered serious injuries after a vehicle struck their minibike in a hit-and-run.
What happened in the crash?
Miracle Merritt, 30, was charged after a hit-and-run crash involving a mini-bike resulted in the death of girl child at 39th Street and 19th Avenue in Sacramento.
- Date and time: June 11 at about 8 p.m.
- Location: 39th Street and 19th Avenue, Sacramento
- Vehicle: Driven by Miracle Merritt, 30
- Injuries: Girl pronounced dead at hospital; father hospitalized with serious injuries
- Charges: Merritt faces felony hit-and-run and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter
Police say Merritt fled after the collision but was later taken into custody.
Why do these accidents happen?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, California recorded 1,901 fatal hit-and-run crashes between 2017 and 2021. That figure represents 10.48 percent of the state’s 18,137 fatal crashes and exceeds the national rate of 6.33 percent.
| Statistic | California | National Average |
|---|
| Fatal hit-and-run crashes | 1,901 | — |
| Percentage of all fatal crashes | 10.48% | 6.33% |
| Years covered | 2017–2021 | 2017–2021 |
Common factors include impairment, unlicensed driving, or fear of arrest.
Legal Insights
“In cases such as this it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted to protect the rights of a victim’s family,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal.
Key points:
- Road conditions, signage, and lighting require thorough review
- Proper resources help establish negligence and support compensation claims
- Families may pursue damages for loss of companionship and emotional distress
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
What should families know after a fatal crash?
Relatives of victims may be entitled to file wrongful death claims seeking compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of companionship.
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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).