(Wildomar, CA) A Bundy Canyon Road hit and run crash resulted in the death of Augustine Garcia, 63, in Wildomar.
On Wednesday, August 13, a little after 6 p.m., the Bundy Canyon Road hit and run crash occurred. According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the incident happened at the intersection of Bundy Canyon Road and Harvest Way.
Sgt. Brad Foster reported Augustine Garcia travelled through the intersection. At that moment, his motorcycle and a vehicle collided. The crash hurled Garcia into a ravine, the driver of the other vehicle fleeing the area. When the Bundy Canyon Road hit and run crash happened, a witness called 911.
Despite paramedics arriving and providing life-saving measures, they pronounced Augustine Garcia dead at the scene. Unfortunately, police do not have a description of the vehicle. Anyone with information regarding the hit-and-run is urged to contact the sheriff’s Lake Elsinore station at 951-245-3000. Tipsters who choose to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Legal Opinion of the Bundy Canyon Road Hit and Run
The Bundy Canyon Road hit and run crash that killed Augustine Garcia involves a serious violation under California law. California Vehicle Code 20001 requires any driver involved in a collision that causes injury or death to immediately stop. Then, they must provide identification and render reasonable aid. Fleeing the scene after causing a fatal crash is a felony, punishable by substantial prison time and fines.
Based on the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s report, Garcia travelled through the intersection when the collision occurred. When authorities find them, they could face both criminal prosecution and substantial civil liability. Leaving the scene of a fatal collision is enough for a felony hit and run charge.
Augustine Garcia’s surviving family can pursue a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. If the driver is located, the family can seek damages for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. In cases involving egregious conduct such as fleeing the scene, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the wrongdoing. If the driver remains unidentified, the family can turn to Garcia’s own uninsured motorist coverage to seek compensation.
What the Family Can Do
Garcia’s family should immediately contact a wrongful death attorney to begin an investigation. Time is critical in hit-and-run cases. Security footage from traffic cameras, nearby businesses, or residential doorbell cameras could help identify the fleeing vehicle. The attorney can work with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department to access investigative files and coordinate with Crime Stoppers tips. They should also review Garcia’s insurance policy for uninsured motorist coverage to ensure a financial recovery even if the suspect remains unidentified. Acting quickly will maximize the chances of finding the driver, securing justice through criminal prosecution, and ensuring the family receives the compensation they need to cope with this devastating and preventable 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.
