Call Us: 
Huntington Beach, California – A 43-year-old woman has been charged in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash that killed bicyclist Eric John Williams, 45, and injured two others early Monday morning in Huntington Beach.
According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Amber Kristine Calderon faces one felony count of hit-and-run resulting in permanent and serious injury, along with two felony counts of failing to stop at a hit-and-run collision involving injury or death. Calderon did not enter a plea during her initial court appearance Wednesday in Santa Ana; her arraignment was rescheduled for November 13 at the West Justice Center in Westminster.
The crash occurred shortly after 6:45 a.m. Monday near Pacific Coast Highway and Newland Street, where three cyclists were struck while riding in a designated bike lane. Williams, a Garden Grove resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two others were transported to area hospitals with significant injuries, including spinal fractures, broken ribs, and a broken ankle, authorities said.
According to prosecutors, Calderon was driving a 2006 Mercedes E-Class southbound on Pacific Coast Highway when she veered onto the shoulder and struck the cyclists. She allegedly continued driving for about half a mile on a flat tire before stopping in a beach parking lot at Magnolia Street, where a parking attendant and a witness attempted to prevent her from leaving.
A GoFundMe page created by Williams’ family describes him as the founder of Community Church of West Garden Grove and a youth teaching pastor at Seaside Community Church. He had recently celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary and was the father of four children.
Authorities said toxicology results are pending as part of the ongoing investigation. Court records show that Calderon has prior convictions for petty theft (2009), sale or transport of a controlled substance (2011), and misdemeanor burglary (2012).
The case remains under investigation by the Huntington Beach Police Department. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Corbin Carson of the department at 657-237-5664.
How Can You Claim Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Driver Is Found and Charged?
When a fatal hit-and-run occurs, the victim’s surviving family members have the legal right to pursue compensation. Once the driver responsible is found and criminally charged, the family can take civil action to hold them financially accountable through a wrongful death lawsuit.
1. Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
If the driver is identified, the victim’s spouse, children, or other eligible relatives can file a wrongful death claim with the help of an experienced wrongful death attorney in California. This type of lawsuit seeks compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- The victim’s pain and suffering before death
Criminal charges against the driver do not automatically compensate the family — those are handled separately in civil court.
2. Coordinating With the Criminal Case
When prosecutors charge a driver in a fatal hit-and-run, their findings often strengthen the civil case. A skilled hit and run accident attorney can collaborate with law enforcement and use evidence from the criminal investigation — such as toxicology reports, eyewitness statements, and accident reconstructions — to prove liability and damages in civil court.
3. Establishing Negligence and Damages
To win compensation, your car accident law firm must show that the driver’s negligence directly caused the victim’s death. This may include proving that the driver was under the influence, speeding, distracted, or fled the scene unlawfully. Once liability is established, your attorney will calculate total damages, including both economic and emotional losses.
4. When the Victim Was a Cyclist or Pedestrian
Fatal hit-and-runs often involve vulnerable road users like cyclists. Families of victims can work with specialized bicycle accident attorneys to ensure the claim accounts for all impacts — from the loss of future earnings to the emotional trauma of losing a loved one.
5. Get Legal Help Immediately
Even after the driver is found, California’s statute of limitations still applies. The family typically has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Hiring an experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney ensures that no deadlines are missed and that the family receives full compensation through settlement or trial.Call Megeredchian Law today at (866) 359-0807 for a free consultation with our experienced hit and run accident attorneys. Our team will fight for justice and the financial recovery your family deserves after a tragic loss.
