A 13-year-old girl was fatally struck by an alleged hit-and-run driver suspected of driving under the influence while standing beside a disabled vehicle on the westbound (60) Freeway in Hacienda Heights.

The accident occurred about 12:40 a.m. just east of Seventh Avenue, authorities said.

The victims were identified as Mary Hively, a 13-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy, all from Santa Monica.

According to authorities, Hively sustained major injuries while the boy, who was seated in the backseat of the car, had moderate injuries. The teen was fatally injured.

Cause of the Hacienda Heights Crash

A news release issued by the California Highway Patrol says the suspect vehicle drifted onto the right shoulder of the highway and struck the child, as well as a 41-year-old woman before hitting the vehicle. The suspect, identified by authorities as 28-year-old Tina Silva of Hacienda Heights, allegedly exited the freeway but was subsequently detained. She was arrested on charges of vehicular manslaughter and DUI.

Pedestrian  Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

The laws regarding pedestrian  accident cases are complex and include many facets of the law.  It is vital to surviving family members to seek the advice of an experienced pedestrian  accident lawyer such as Gary A Kessler at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler to protect your rights and those of your loved ones.

The California pedestrian accident attorney Gary A Kessler and the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler are compassionate and fully understand that you are attempting to cope with extreme serious injuries associated with a pedestrian accident. Such accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death.  The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its wrongful death and pedestrian/bicycle accident cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention necessary to obtain a successful result for your case.

The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is prepared to front all costs required for a thorough investigation and top expert witnesses to prepare for trial of your case.  As in all pedestrian  accidents and serious personal injury cases, we advance all legal costs to prepare and present our client’s claim, and receive for our services only a percentage of what we recover for our attorney fees on their behalf.  Upon settlement our costs shall be reimbursed to us from the gross recovery.  If there is no recovery, no attorneys fees or costs are owed to our firm. Contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler today so that we can preserve the evidence and demand compensation and accountability from the responsible parties!