Visalia, CA – In the early hours of Sunday, January 19, 2026, Jessica De La Cruz, 36, was fatally struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run collision at the intersection of Giddings Street and Howard Avenue, according to KSEE.
Visalia Police Department officers reported that the accident took place shortly after midnight at the intersection of Giddings Street and Howard Avenue.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found De La Cruz lying in the roadway with severe injuries. Medical personnel transported her to a local hospital for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, De La Cruz later died as a result of her injuries. Authorities confirmed her identity following notification of next of kin.
Police stated that the driver involved fled the scene prior to officers arriving. As part of standard investigative procedure, the department’s traffic unit documented the scene, reviewed available evidence, and began efforts to locate the suspect vehicle.
Investigators are seeking a 2004 to 2005 Honda Civic that may have sustained front-end damage consistent with the collision. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Visalia Police Department’s traffic unit.
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.
Hit-and-Runs and Wrongful Death Claims
The compensation provided by a Wrongful Death claim can financially support families grieving the loss of a loved one due to another person’s negligence. These funds can go toward hospital bills, burial expenses, and help support any dependents of the deceased.
In cases where the at-fault party escapes justice, families may still be able to pursue compensation through their own uninsured driver coverage. A personal injury attorney can offer guidance on what options they may have available and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that victims receive the best settlement possible.
Visalia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Visalia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
