Driver Sought in Hit and Run with Young Girl

Police are on the lookout for a driver who crashed into a young girl attempting to make her way across the street, dragging her almost 40 feet before fleeing the scene Tuesday evening in Santa Ana.

According to local police, the accident, which was captured by multiple security cameras, took place in the middle of a residential street at about 5 p.m., where 7 year old Evelyn Lopez was walking along the sidewalk with her mother. Relatives then say that she ran out into the street to try to reach her brothers and sisters when a dark colored SUV struck her, dragging her down the road.

Upon being dislodged from the vehicle, the driver drove off. “We don’t know if the driver is male or female,” said Officer Anthony Bertanga. “We believe it’s a black Toyota 4Runner, and we’re hoping people will come forward.”

The surveillance footage that captured the crash showed that the driver stepped hard on the brakes to avoid a collision, hitting the brakes against after the girl was thrown free from the vehicle. “That tells me that this individual more than likely knew that he hit someone and he fled the scene,” added Bertanga.

The young girl was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she underwent surgery to relieve swelling in her brain. Though she suffered serious injuries, she is listed in stable condition and is expected to survive.

“I don’t know what to say right now. It’s pretty crazy what happened,” said Edward Rivas, the young girl’s cousin. “We’re just waiting to hear news about her. We all care and want to know what’s going to happen to her.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has information about the driver is being encouraged to contact the Santa Ana Police Department as quickly as possible to help with the investigation and to catch the hit and run driver.

For victims of hit and run accidents like these, the process for recovery can be even more difficult. Without the presence of a liable party, it becomes difficult to recover the compensation that is rightfully owed to help repair that damages that have been sustained.

If you or someone you know has been caught in a situation such as this, it becomes even more important to look to the guidance of an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer, who can careful explain your options and point you onto the best course of action.

At AA Accident Attorneys, we can help you through this difficult and confusing time, getting you the help you need. As always, we will not charge you anything for our services until your case is won. Call us right away for a free evaluation and to learn what we can do for you!

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