Woman Arrested in Fatal Riverside County Hit and Run Crash

Deborah Marie Salzar, 55, was arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident in Beaumont that killed 53-year-old Sandra Kay Todd. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, Salazar was arrested at her home on a warrant that was issued May 22. Officials said she was negotiating the terms of her arrest because of her medical condition. She has been charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and hit and run causing injury or death. The driver failed to remain at the scene.

The fatal pedestrian accident occurred the evening of December 23, 2016. Police officers found Todd lying on the railroad tracks near Fourth Street and California Avenue. The victim was suffering injuries consistent with being hit by a car. She was hospitalized in critical condition but later succumbed to her injuries.

We’re relieved to note that the hit-and-run driver in this case has been arrested and we hope she will be held accountable.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

It is against the law to leave the scene of an injury or fatal car accident. 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.”

Motorists are required to not only exchange pertinent information with other parties, but also remain at the scene and provide assistance to the injured victims. This particular case is an example of how any help injured victims get at the scene can prove lifesaving. Assistance drivers provide could be something as simple as calling 9-1-1 after the accident so victims receive prompt medical help and care.

Justice for Victims and Families

In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased crash victims can file what is known as a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and loss of love and companionship.

An experienced Riverside car accident attorney will also be able to advise victims and their families about how their own auto insurance policy might apply in a case where the driver is uninsured or when there insufficient coverage available. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.