Ronal Villatoro Struck and Killed by Hit-and-Run Motorist at 88th Place and Main Street in South Los Angeles
Ronal Villatoro Killed in South Los Angeles Pedestrian Collision at 88th Place and Main Street
South Los Angeles, California (March 1, 2021) – 33-year-old Ronal Merdio Villatoro has been identified as the man who died after being hit by an alleged hit-and-run driver in South Los Angeles Wednesday afternoon.
The fatal accident took place at the intersection of 88th Place and Main Street, in the Broadway-Manchester neighbourhood, shortly after 4 p.m. February 24.
The accident began when a Toyota Camry heading north on Main Street ran the red light for unknown reasons. The Camry then crashed into a Ford pickup truck that was travelling at a high rate of speed west on East 88th Place.
Villatoro was reportedly hit by the pickup while crossing northbound on Main Street in a marked crosswalk.
Ronal Villatoro Fatal South Los Angeles Pedestrian Collision
Sadly, Merdio died in the mishap.
Three men riding in the truck fled the scene on foot without rendering aid to the deceased.
Meanwhile, the Camry motorist remained at the scene and cooperated with the law.
The wreck resulted in the closure of 88th Place and Main Street for an unknown time.
To help cover the funeral expenses of Villatoro, family members created a GoFundMe page.
Authorities are still gathering more evidence to locate the hit-and-run suspects.
Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact the LAPD at 877-527-3247.
Pedestrian Accidents in California
The number of pedestrians being seriously injured or killed in California is increasing every year due to the growing numbers of people walking in the streets and the ever-increasing number of motor vehicles on the roads.
Notable Pedestrian Accident Statistics According to the California Office of Traffic Safety:
- 893 pedestrians were killed, and more than 14,000 were injured on California roadways in 2018.
- California’s pedestrian fatality is almost 25% higher than the national average.
- California is among the leading states in pedestrian deaths.
At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. Most pedestrian accidents can be avoided if pedestrians and drivers followed the recommended safety measures.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
- Make yourself visible to other road users by wearing bright colored clothes, reflector jackets, or using a flashlight when walking at night.
- Avoid distractions such as using your phone while on the streets.
- Cross streets on marked crosswalks and obey traffic lights.
- Always pay attention to your surroundings.
- Be predictable by observing all traffic rules and obeying signs and signals.
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Look out for pedestrians, particularly in hard-to-see conditions, for example, at night and in bad weather.
- Yield and be ready to stop whenever a pedestrian has the right-of-way.
- Be cautious when parking or backing up – pedestrians can move across your path.
- Observe all traffic rules.
Were you or your loved one involved in a pedestrian accident? Contact Pacific Attorney Group for legal advice. Click to call: 866-803-6502.
