(San Jose, CA) A Santa Clara hit-and-run resulted in the death of Monica Ibarra, 52, of San Francisco near the SAP Center.
On Monday, September 8, at 8:00 a.m., the Santa Clara hit-and-run occurred. According to San Jose police, it happened at the intersection of Santa Clara Street and Cahill Street near the SAP Center.
Upon investigating, officers learned the Santa Clara hit-and-run involved a car striking a scooter ridden by Monica Ibarra. Witnesses saw the driver flee the scene immediately after the collision. The moment paramedics arrived, they transported Ibarra to a local hospital, but she died shortly after arrival.
At the scene, authorities discovered a black-and-white checkered backpack and a helmet lying near the intersection. When police spoke with bystanders, they described a chaotic scene as traffic slowed and police secured the area. Authorities continue to search for the driver involved in the Santa Clara hit-and-run.
Hit and runs are a serious and delicate situation. The state of California takes these cases very seriously. It’s important for all drivers to know what to do in a hit and run.
Legal Opinion on the Santa Clara Hit-and-Run
This tragic death of Monica Ibarra highlights several serious violations of California law. The most direct violation involves California Vehicle Code 20001. This law requires a driver involved in an accident causing injury or death to stop immediately, provide aid, and notify authorities. By fleeing the scene, the driver committed a felony that carries severe penalties, including years in prison. Since this case involved a scooter, investigators may also consider California Vehicle Code 21221, which states that people riding motorized scooters have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of vehicles. That means drivers must respect their right to share the road.
If investigators confirm that speeding contributed to this crash, California Vehicle Code 22350, the Basic Speed Law, will apply. This law requires drivers to travel at safe speeds for current conditions. Driving too fast near an intersection or event center could easily create deadly risks. Because Ibarra died after the collision, her family may bring a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This law allows close relatives to seek compensation for funeral expenses, the loss of financial support, and the emotional harm from losing a loved one.
What the Family Can Do
The family of Monica Ibarra should contact an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help secure the police report, review surveillance footage near the SAP Center, and gather witness statements. Preserving this evidence quickly is vital, since it may help identify the driver who fled.
If police locate the suspect, the family can pursue a civil wrongful death claim in addition to the criminal charges. This claim can help with funeral costs, lost income that Ibarra may have provided. While no legal process can undo this tragedy, taking action may provide both accountability and a measure of justice for Monica Ibarra’s family.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
