(Los Angeles, CA) A South San Pedro Street hit and run resulted in the death of Celestino Mateo, 61, in the Broadway-Manchester neighborhood of South Los Angeles.
On Monday, August 18, at around 1:23 a.m., the South San Pedro Street hit and run occurred. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, it happened at the intersection of South San Pedro Street and East 95th Street.
When the LAPD’s Southeast Division arrived at the incident site, they found a collision between Celestino Mateo and a vehicle. According to LAPD Officer Kevin Terzez, a vehicle drove southbound on San Pedro. At some point, the motorist struck Mateo and drove away in an unknown direction. Terzez reported Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced Celestino Mateo dead at the scene. Police determined a silver Chevrolet Tahoe to be the possible suspect vehicle. Anyone with information regarding the hit-and-run is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department at 877-275-5273. Tipsters who choose to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Legal Opinion of the South San Pedro Street Hit and Run
The South San Pedro Street hit and run that killed Celestino Mateo violates a couple of California laws. California Vehicle Code 20001 requires any driver involved in a collision resulting in injury or death to immediately stop. Afterwards, they must identify themselves and render aid. The fact that the driver struck a bicyclist and fled without providing help will weigh heavily in both the criminal investigation and any future civil case.
Because Mateo rode a bicycle, additional protections apply. VEH 21200 gives bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as drivers on the roadway. VEH 21760, known as the “Three Feet for Safety Act”, requires motorists to maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing cyclists. If the driver failed to maintain this, these violations support a finding of negligence.
The Mateo’s family may pursue a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. They can seek damages for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the emotional devastation of losing a loved one. If the driver of the South San Pedro hit and run is located, punitive damages may also be available. Fleeing a fatal crash demonstrates reckless disregard for human life. If the suspect remains unidentified, the family can turn to the victim’s uninsured motorist coverage, which often applies to bicyclists struck by hit and run drivers.
What the Family Can Do
The family of Celestino Mateo should contact a wrongful death attorney regarding the South San Pedro hit and run immediately. Attorneys can help collect evidence such as video footage and witness statements. The attorney can also work with LAPD’s Southeast Division to obtain updates on the investigation. At the same time, the family should review any available auto or homeowner’s insurance policies to determine whether uninsured motorist coverage applies. Taking swift action will give the family the best chance to secure justice, hold the responsible driver accountable, and obtain the financial resources needed to navigate this devastating loss.
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.
