Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life in Victorville

Fatal Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Collision in Victorville: What We Know and How Families Can Navigate the AftermathA tragic hit-and-run crash claimed the life of a male pedestrian on Tuesday evening, December 2, 2025, at the intersection of Amargosa Road and Civic Drive in Victorville. According to the Victorville Police Department, deputies responded at approximately 6:29 p.m. and found the pedestrian with fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.Investigators determined that the pedestrian had been struck by a silver Volkswagen Jetta that left the area after the collision. With assistance from the Sheriff’s Aviation Unit, authorities located the vehicle and arrested the driver, identified as 23-year-old Juan T. of Adelanto. Officials indicated that the driver cooperated and was taken into custody without incident. The Victorville Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is leading the investigation, which remains ongoing.While an arrest may bring some measure of answers, families are often left with urgent questions about the investigative process, their legal rights, and how to protect their interests in the days and weeks following a fatal crash. The following information outlines how California law addresses hit-and-run incidents, the types of evidence that may be relevant, and the steps families can take to safeguard their rights.Understanding Hit-and-Run Law in California- Duty to stop and render aid: In California, drivers involved in a collision that results in injury or death must stop, provide identifying information, and render reasonable assistance. Leaving the scene is a crime.- Potential charges: When a collision causes injury or death, prosecutors may pursue felony hit-and-run charges under California Vehicle Code section 20001. Additional charges may apply depending on the facts, such as DUI or reckless driving, if supported by evidence. An arrest is not a determination of guilt, and the legal process will determine what charges, if any, are filed.- Criminal vs. civil proceedings: A criminal case focuses on whether a crime was committed and potential penalties for the accused. It does not resolve civil claims for compensation. Families may pursue a separate civil claim to address damages and losses.Civil Options for Surviving Family MembersFollowing a fatal pedestrian collision, surviving family members may have civil claims, including:- Wrongful death claim: Typically brought by close relatives (such as a spouse, domestic partner, children, or other qualifying dependents) for losses including funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship and care.- Survival action: Brought by the decedent’s estate to recover damages the decedent could have claimed had they lived, such as medical expenses and, in some cases, punitive damages when authorized by law.- Punitive damages: In