Yolo County, CA – On the morning of Sunday, May 11, 2025, a hit-and-run collision resulted in fatal injuries to 31-year-old Jessica Garza Herrera of Davis, according to ABC10.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 2:00 AM near eastbound Interstate 80 in Yolo County.
According to investigators, Herrera was walking on or near the roadway when she was struck by a white sedan believed to be a 2016 to 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle fled the scene without stopping to render aid.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the collision and confirmed that Herrera had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have launched an active investigation into the identity of the driver and the vehicle involved.
According to a GoFundMe launched to raise money for her funeral expenses, Herrera had graduated from Sacramento State University in 2021 with a degree in women’s and gender studies. Her family and friends describe her as a kind, compassionate person dedicated to helping others, especially women involved in the criminal justice system.
The CHP is urging anyone who witnessed the crash or may have surveillance footage from the area to contact their Woodland office.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for bicyclists with whom they share the road and, if a fatal collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a bicycle accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
Should the at-fault driver avoid legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
