La Puente Teen Critically Injured in Hit-and-Run Crash

A major injury hit-and-run crash in La Puente, which has left 18-year-old Isabel Gonzalez, in critical condition, has caused outrage in the community and in social media. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the hit-and-run occurred the night of February 14, 2016 along Gale Avenue at Riderwood Lane in Hacienda Heights. Gonzalez was struck and dragged several feet. The driver fled the scene.

Gonzalez has suffered several injuries including a shattered pelvis, a fractured skull, broken ribs and internal bleeding. Her leg has been severely injured and family members say it is not clear if she would walk again. She has undergone four surgeries since the crash.

Family members say Gonzalez has been drifting in and out of consciousness. She is a student at California State University, Los Angeles, where she is studying to be a translator on scholarship. The car involved is described as a silver 2013- or 2014-model Honda or Toyota.

Our hearts go out to this young woman who is apparently fighting for her life. We wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Let us keep her in our thoughts and prayers.

Leaving the Scene of the Crash

Based on this news report, it appears that Gonzalez was struck, run over and dragged. The driver then left her on the street, exposed to further danger, and drove away. Outrageous! Not only is leaving the scene of a car accident an inhumane and irresponsible act, but it is also illegal under California Vehicle Code 20001 (a). California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.”

Holding Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable

We certainly hope the driver in this case is apprehended and brought to justice. If you have any information about the vehicle or the driver, please contact local authorities. We can only imagine the emotional trauma the Gonzalez family is experiencing as they not only deal with a catastrophic event, but also the fact that they have no one to hold accountable for their daughter’s situation. Families in such cases are also financially devastated as a result of unforeseen medical expenses and hospital costs. In such cases, an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney can help stay abreast of the official investigation and also help victims’ families explore avenues of compensation to help cope with the financial strain.