Vernon, California – Authorities are investigating a fatal hit-and-run collision that claimed the life of 45-year-old William Valle early Wednesday morning in Vernon.
According to Lt. Gabriel Martinez of the Vernon Police Department, the crash occurred around 6:30 a.m. on Pacific Avenue near 45th Street. Valle was riding his bicycle when he was first struck by a vehicle traveling southbound on Pacific Avenue. The driver did not stop to render aid.
The impact threw Valle into the northbound lanes, where a second vehicle hit him and also fled the scene, Martinez said.
Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel pronounced Valle dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later confirmed his identity.
As of Wednesday afternoon, investigators had not released descriptions of the vehicles involved. Martinez expressed his condolences to Valle’s family and said detectives were working to locate the drivers responsible.
A section of Pacific Boulevard between 45th Street and Vernon Avenue was closed for several hours as authorities conducted their investigation.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the Vernon Police Department.
When Two Drivers Flee the Scene — Can You Still File a Wrongful Death Claim?
When two drivers flee after fatally striking a victim, it may feel impossible to pursue justice. However, under California law, families can still file a wrongful death claim even if both drivers are unidentified. The process is more complex than in a typical accident case, but with help from experienced hit and run accident attorneys, victims’ families can still recover compensation for their loss.
How a Wrongful Death Claim Works in a Double Hit-and-Run
California law allows surviving family members — such as a spouse, children, or parents — to file a claim when someone dies as a result of another party’s negligence. In a double hit-and-run, both fleeing drivers may share fault, and each can be held liable once identified. Even if neither driver is located, your car accident law firm can help you recover compensation through uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), which applies in hit-and-run cases.
Who Can You Claim Compensation From?
In a double hit-and-run accident, you may file a claim against one driver, both drivers, or their respective insurance companies, depending on who is found and proven responsible. California follows a system of comparative negligence, which means each driver can be held liable for their percentage of fault. If both are identified, you can pursue compensation from both — either through separate claims or a combined wrongful death action. Courts will determine how damages are divided between them, but you cannot receive “double” compensation for the same loss; instead, each driver contributes proportionally to the total recovery amount your family is entitled to.
Investigating a Double Hit-and-Run
A thorough investigation is key. Skilled bicycle accident attorneys and reconstruction experts can help identify both vehicles using:
- Surveillance footage from nearby cameras
- Witness statements
- Physical evidence, such as debris or paint transfer
- Police reports and DMV database cross-references
Even when one or both drivers remain unidentified, a dedicated wrongful death attorney in California can help families explore all available insurance avenues to recover damages for funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional suffering.
Why You Need Experienced Representation
Handling a fatal double hit-and-run claim requires a team that understands both personal injury and criminal hit-and-run investigations. A trusted Los Angeles car accident attorney can coordinate with law enforcement, insurance carriers, and forensic experts to build the strongest possible case — even when the drivers have fled.If your loved one was killed by multiple hit-and-run drivers, do not wait. Call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 for a free consultation. Our attorneys will investigate every lead and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable — so your family can get the justice and compensation you deserve.