(Los Angeles, CA) A roadside memorial grows along the Pacific Coast Highway as family and neighbors mourn 35-year-old Sergio Maya after a Pacific Coast Highway hit-and-run.
The Pacific Coast Highway accident drew swift 911 calls from drivers and nearby businesses. On Thursday, September 25, at 12:55 p.m., callers reported a motorcycle collision near Western Avenue. When officers arrived, witnesses described a silver van turning left across eastbound traffic. Moments later, an older pickup struck Sergio Maya while traveling west on PCH. Neither driver stopped after the impacts, according to responding officers at the scene.
Paramedics fought to save Maya and secured the roadway for crews. Despite rapid care, medics pronounced Sergio Maya dead at the scene. Investigators marked debris fields and photographed fresh gouge marks across lanes. Upon investigation, detectives canvassed shops for camera footage and interviewed bystanders along Western Avenue. Minutes later, traffic units extended closures while evidence technicians collected parts from both suspect vehicles. Detectives urged tips to LAPD South Traffic as leads develop in the Pacific Coast Highway hit-and-run.
Maya’s family set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses.
Legal Guidance on the Pacific Coast Highway Hit-and-Run
Hit-and-run rules carry the greatest weight here. California Vehicle Code 20001 makes fleeing a crash involving injury or death a felony. Drivers must stop, give aid, and remain until officers complete necessary steps. Moving from that duty, California Vehicle Code 20003 requires drivers to provide identification and render reasonable assistance. Failure to help can elevate penalties and strengthen civil liability.
Left-turning drivers must also yield. California Vehicle Code 21801 requires a driver turning left to yield to oncoming traffic until safe. A van that turned across an eastbound motorcycle likely violated this rule. If a sudden or unsafe maneuver occurred, California Vehicle Code 22107 prohibits turning or moving right or left without first ensuring safety and giving signals when required.
Speed frequently compounds harm. If officers find unsafe speed, California Vehicle Code 22350, the Basic Speed Law, applies. This law prohibits driving faster than reasonable for conditions. Investigators will analyze skid marks, impact angles, and camera footage to evaluate speed and evasive opportunities. Next, proof of insurance also matters.
Because this crash took the life of Sergio Maya, the family may pursue a wrongful death case. California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60 allows eligible relatives to seek damages for funeral costs, financial support, and companionship. Parallel claims can include survival actions and negligent entrustment if an owner allowed unsafe driving. Attorneys often secure footage, event data, and third-party records through subpoenas to preserve crucial proof.
Civil cases move on evidence and timelines. Early counsel can send preservation letters, retain reconstruction experts, and coordinate with detectives. That approach protects the record while criminal proceedings advance against the fleeing drivers.
How the Family of Sergio Maya Can Move Forward
You can start with a free consultation from a wrongful death attorney. Counsel can request the LAPD report, contact witnesses, and collect video from nearby businesses. The lawyer can open insurance claims with both suspect vehicles and pursue uninsured motorist coverage if needed. Keep all receipts for funeral and memorial costs, and gather proof of income and benefits. Those records help document losses. Most importantly, lean on community and counsel while the investigation continues. A focused legal team can safeguard your rights and pursue full accountability for Sergio’s memory.