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Laguna Beach, California – A woman suspected of being involved in a hit-and-run crash in Rancho Mission Viejo was fatally struck by another vehicle hours later in Laguna Beach, authorities reported Thursday.
According to the Laguna Beach Police Department, officers responded around 7 p.m. Wednesday to a collision on El Toro Road, just south of the 73 Toll Road overpass. Upon arrival, first responders found a 46-year-old woman critically injured. She was transported to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, where she was later pronounced dead. Her identity has not yet been released pending family notification.
Investigators believe the woman had been driving a U-Haul truck involved in an earlier hit-and-run incident in Rancho Mission Viejo. After being followed by the other driver, she reportedly stopped and parked the U-Haul alongside El Toro Road, blocking one outbound lane.
Police said the woman exited the truck and began walking along the roadway while bystanders tried to move the vehicle out of traffic. Moments later, she was struck by a passing car.
The driver who hit her remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. Authorities do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors in the fatal crash.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Lt. Jason Farris of the Laguna Beach Police Department at 949-497-0655.
Is a wrongful death claim possible if the victim was involved in a hit-and-run before being killed?
Yes — under California law, a wrongful death claim may still be possible even if the victim was suspected of being involved in a hit-and-run before being killed. Each case must be carefully examined to determine liability, cause of death, and the sequence of events. What matters legally is whether another party’s negligence directly caused the fatal accident.
For example, if the pedestrian was struck and killed by another driver while outside their vehicle, the driver who caused the fatal impact could still be held responsible — regardless of the earlier hit-and-run incident. Families in such situations should immediately consult experienced wrongful death attorneys and pedestrian accident attorneys who understand how to navigate complex, multi-incident claims.
At Megeredchian Law, our legal team has extensive experience handling difficult cases involving pedestrians, hit-and-run investigations, and fatal collisions. Whether you need help from hit and run accident attorneys, car accident lawyers in California, or a dedicated Los Angeles car accident attorney, we can help your family pursue justice and fair compensation for your loss.Call Megeredchian Law today at (866) 359-0807 for a free consultation — our attorneys are available 24/7 to review your case and explain your legal options.