A 33-year-old Santa Ana man, Raymundo R., is in custody after allegedly fatally striking a woman in her 50s who was out for an evening walk in Anaheim on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
The crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. near South Rio Vista Street and Wagner Avenue, where police found the victim in nearby dense brush after a search was initiated when a man reported his wife had not returned home.
According to the Anaheim Police Department, the suspect was driving a silver Mercedes-Benz at a high rate of speed when he failed to make a 90-degree left turn, lost control of the vehicle, and veered off the road into a riverbed, where he fatally hit the victim.
The car ultimately landed in the nearby Santa Ana River, approximately 50 feet away. The driver and another man were detained at the scene, and both were taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
The driver has been charged with gross vehicular manslaughter and felony DUI.
The investigation is ongoing.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.