A $5,000 reward is being offered in a deadly hit-and-run car accident in Bakersfield that killed 46-year-old Guadalupe Delgadillo. According to an ABC news report, Delgadillo was in a wheelchair in the 800th block of Union Avenue the evening May 8, 2010, when she was hit by a car, which fled the scene. Based on debris at the scene, the suspect vehicle was determined to be a silver or grey 2001 to 2006 four-door sedan, possibly a Nissan. Officials also believe that the vehicle must have sustained front-end damage to the bumper, grill and the lower left front area where the fog lights are located. Delgadillo was taken to a local hospital where she died.

Anonymous Information Accepted

The reward is being offered by the Secret Witness program, an anonymous tip line. Anonymity is guaranteed to those who called. Callers will be asked to select a code name and number when they provide information. Anyone with information about the accident, or the suspect, or the vehicle is asked to contact Secret Witness at 661-322-4040 or the Bakersfield Police Department at 661-326-3967.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Guadalupe Delgadillo for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your prayers. I truly hope that this reward encourages witnesses or those with information to come forward and help bring this driver to justice.

Hit-and-Run Collisions

According to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California, in 2008. A majority of these car accidents involved injuries. A total of 247 deaths occurred that year involving hit-and-run accidents in California.

Leaving the scene of an accident or hit-and-run, as it is more commonly known, is a serious crime. 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."

Claim for Compensation

Victims' families in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the investigation and make sure that the families' legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise families about how their own car insurance policy applies in a hit-and-run case or in an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

In your opinion, should there be more anonymous tip lines dedicated to hit-and-run incidents? Do you think this will encourage more witnesses or people with information to come forward?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Bookmark and Share