A devastating hit-and-run accident claimed the life of a 17-year-old girl in the early morning hours of Friday, January 24, 2026, on a quiet Antioch street. According to NBC Bay Area, the fatal pedestrian accident has left a family grieving and a community searching for answers as investigators work to identify the driver who fled the scene.
The tragic loss of such a young life, combined with the driver’s decision to abandon the scene rather than render aid or contact emergency services, has shocked residents and intensified calls for anyone with information to come forward. Authorities continue to pursue leads in hopes of bringing justice to the victims’ families and holding the responsible party accountable for this senseless tragedy.
Tragic Early Morning Collision on L Street
The Antioch Police Department responded to reports of the incident at approximately 3:33 AM near L Street between West 18th Street and West 10th Street. When officers and emergency personnel arrived at the scene, they discovered the victim lying unresponsive along the roadway. Despite immediate response efforts, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.
The circumstances surrounding how the girl came to be on the roadway in the predawn hours remain under investigation. The location—a residential area of Antioch—would typically see minimal vehicle and pedestrian traffic at that time of morning, raising questions about the events leading up to the fatal collision. Investigators are working to establish a timeline of the victim’s movements prior to the collision and to determine whether she was walking, standing, or had fallen in the roadway when she was struck.
The limited visibility during the early morning hours, combined with the residential nature of the area where street lighting may be less prevalent, creates additional challenges for investigators attempting to reconstruct the sequence of events. Authorities are also examining whether speed, impairment, or distracted driving may have contributed to the driver’s failure to see and avoid striking the teenager, though no conclusions have been reached at this stage of the investigation.
Investigation Reveals Hit-and-Run Nature of Fatal Accident
Initially, authorities treated the case as a suspicious death due to the uncertain circumstances under which the victim was found. The investigation took a decisive turn following an autopsy conducted by the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office, which revealed injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. This forensic evidence led investigators to reclassify the incident as a fatal hit-and-run collision.
As part of standard investigative procedure, Antioch Police officers secured the collision area, carefully documented physical evidence at the scene, and coordinated closely with the coroner’s office to establish the cause and manner of death. This methodical approach is essential for preserving evidence that may later identify the vehicle and driver responsible for the girl’s death.
The thoroughness of the initial investigation is particularly critical in hit-and-run cases, where the responsible party has already fled, and physical evidence at the scene may be the only clues to their identity. Investigators are likely examining paint transfer, tire marks, debris from the vehicle, and any biological evidence deposited at the scene to help determine the type and possibly the color of the vehicle involved.
Crime scene technicians may have collected glass fragments from headlights or other vehicle components that could narrow the search to specific makes and models. Additionally, detectives are reviewing traffic camera footage from nearby intersections and requesting surveillance video from businesses and residences in the surrounding area that might have captured the vehicle before or after the collision.
The timing of the incident—occurring at 3:33 AM when traffic is minimal—may actually work in investigators’ favor, as any vehicles traveling in the area during that timeframe would stand out and be more easily identified through video evidence or witness accounts. The combination of forensic evidence from the scene and technological investigative tools gives authorities multiple avenues to pursue in their effort to identify the hit-and-run driver.
Search Continues for Driver Who Fled the Scene
The Antioch Police Department has confirmed that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives are working diligently to identify both the vehicle and the driver involved in this fatal collision. Officials noted that the victim was not enrolled as a student in the Antioch Unified School District, though her loss has deeply affected the Antioch community.
Authorities have issued an urgent appeal for public assistance. Anyone with information about the collision—including potential witnesses, individuals with surveillance or doorbell camera footage from the area, or anyone who may have noticed a vehicle with recent front-end damage—is encouraged to come forward. Even seemingly insignificant details could prove crucial in identifying the responsible party and bringing them to justice.
The fact that the driver fled the scene rather than stopping to render aid or contact emergency services compounds the tragedy of this young woman’s death. California law requires all drivers involved in accidents to stop immediately, provide identifying information, and render reasonable assistance to injured parties.
California’s Hit-and-Run Laws and Criminal Penalties
Hit-and-run collisions carry severe legal consequences in California, particularly when they result in injury or death. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury or death must immediately stop at the scene, provide their name, address, and vehicle registration information, and render reasonable assistance to any injured person.
Failing to fulfill these legal obligations constitutes a hit-and-run offense. When a hit-and-run collision results in injury or death to another person, it is classified as a felony under California law. The penalties for felony hit-and-run can include:
- Imprisonment in state prison for two to four years, or in county jail for not less than 90 days
- Fines of up to $10,000
- Restitution to the victim’s family for economic losses
- Suspension or revocation of driving privileges
When a hit-and-run results in death, prosecutors may pursue additional charges such as vehicular manslaughter, particularly if evidence suggests the driver was operating their vehicle negligently, recklessly, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision. These additional charges can substantially increase the potential prison sentence.
Beyond criminal penalties, the driver responsible for the victim’s death will also face civil liability. The victim’s family has the right to pursue a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for their devastating losses.
Legal Rights of Hit-and-Run Victims’ Families
When a loved one is killed in a hit-and-run accident, surviving family members have legal rights that extend beyond the criminal justice system. In California, certain family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party to seek compensation for the losses they have suffered due to their loved one’s untimely death.
Under California law, wrongful death claims may be filed by:
- The deceased person’s surviving spouse or domestic partner
- The deceased person’s surviving children
- If there is no surviving spouse or children, the deceased person’s parents or siblings can demonstrate financial dependency
A wrongful death claim arising from a fatal hit-and-run collision may seek compensation for various losses, including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses incurred before death (if applicable)
- Loss of the deceased’s expected financial support and contributions
- Loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, and moral support
- The value of household services the deceased would have provided
For the family of a 17-year-old like the victim, the loss represents not only the immediate emotional devastation but also the loss of a lifetime of future contributions, companionship, and shared experiences that will never come to be.
Unique Challenges in Hit-and-Run Wrongful Death Cases
Hit-and-run wrongful death cases present unique challenges that distinguish them from typical traffic accident claims. The most obvious challenge is identifying the responsible party. Unlike standard accident cases, where the at-fault driver’s identity and insurance information are immediately available, hit-and-run cases require investigative work to identify the fleeing driver.
This uncertainty can be emotionally excruciating for grieving families. The knowledge that the person responsible for their loved one’s death prioritized self-preservation over rendering aid or taking responsibility adds another layer of trauma to an already devastating loss. Families often experience intense frustration during the investigation period, desperately wanting answers and justice while understanding that identifying the driver may take time.
From a legal perspective, the at-fault driver’s identity is not required to take protective steps. California provides a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims, meaning families generally have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. However, this clock continues to run even while the driver’s identity remains unknown, making it critical to consult an experienced attorney early in the process.
An experienced personal injury attorney can take proactive steps even before the driver is identified, including:
- Working alongside law enforcement and offering resources to aid the investigation
- Conducting an independent investigation, including reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts to determine the likely characteristics of the vehicle involved
- Exploring potential insurance coverage options, such as uninsured motorist coverage
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Hit-and-Run Cases
While the investigation continues, families of hit-and-run victims should explore whether uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may provide a pathway to compensation. In California, uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect policyholders when they are injured by a driver who either has no insurance or cannot be identified—including hit-and-run drivers.
If Jeana Flores’ family maintained auto insurance policies with uninsured motorist coverage, they might be able to file a claim under that coverage for their losses. This can provide critical financial support for funeral expenses and other losses while investigators continue searching for the at-fault driver.
Uninsured motorist claims require careful handling, as insurance companies may dispute coverage or attempt to minimize the claim’s value. Having experienced legal representation ensures that families’ rights are protected and that they receive the full compensation available under their policies.
Uninsured motorist claims require careful handling, as insurance companies may dispute coverage or seek to minimize the claim’s value. Having experienced legal representation ensures that families’ rights are protected and that they receive the full compensation available under their policies. It’s important to understand that uninsured motorist coverage in California comes in two types: bodily injury coverage (UMBI) and property damage coverage (UMPD). For wrongful death cases like this one, the bodily injury coverage would be the relevant component.
California law requires insurance companies to offer UMBI coverage in amounts equal to the policy’s liability limits, though policyholders may reject it in writing. Many families are unaware they have this protection until tragedy strikes. The claims process for uninsured motorist coverage differs from standard liability claims—families must typically provide proof that reasonable efforts have been made to identify the hit-and-run driver, which is why cooperation with law enforcement investigations is essential.
Additionally, some policies may require notification within a specific timeframe after the accident, making it critical to review policy terms and file claims promptly. Even if the hit-and-run driver is eventually identified and lacks insurance or sufficient assets to pay a judgment, the uninsured motorist coverage can still provide compensation up to the policy limits. This coverage can be particularly valuable when the at-fault driver is never identified, ensuring that families receive at least some financial support during their time of grief.
The Importance of Community Assistance in Hit-and-Run Investigations
Community involvement often proves crucial in solving hit-and-run cases. Residents of the L Street area and surrounding neighborhoods may possess information that could help investigators identify the responsible vehicle and driver, even if they don’t realize its significance.
Investigators will be particularly interested in:
- Surveillance or doorbell camera footage from homes or businesses in the area, especially footage captured between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM on January 24, 2026
- Witnesses who may have been in the area and noticed a vehicle traveling at unusual speeds or driving erratically
- Information about vehicles in the neighborhood with recent, unexplained front-end damage
- Any unusual activity or sounds heard during the relevant timeframe
Even seemingly minor details—such as the color of a vehicle seen in the area or the direction in which it was traveling—can help investigators narrow their search and potentially identify the responsible party. Anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department.
Families should also consider documenting all expenses related to their loved one’s death, preserving any communications or evidence related to the incident, and consulting with an experienced wrongful death attorney who can protect their legal rights while they focus on grieving and beginning to heal.
GJEL’s Experience with Hit-and-Run Cases
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we recognize that no legal outcome can restore a life cut tragically short. However, pursuing justice through the legal system can provide families with accountability, financial stability during an impossibly difficult time, and the knowledge that their loved one’s death has been treated with the seriousness it deserves.
The driver who struck and killed the girl made a conscious choice to flee rather than face the consequences of their actions or render aid to a dying teenager. This cowardly decision compounds an already devastating tragedy. Families in these situations deserve tireless advocacy—someone who will work alongside investigators, leverage every available resource, and fight relentlessly to identify the responsible party and hold them fully accountable for the life they took.
GJEL’s legal team has extensive experience handling complex hit-and-run cases throughout California. We understand the unique investigative and legal challenges these cases present, and we have the resources, expertise, and commitment necessary to pursue justice even when the responsible party’s identity is initially unknown. We work closely with accident reconstruction experts, private investigators, and law enforcement to build the strongest possible cases for our clients.
GJEL Accident Attorneys has recovered over $1 billion for injured clients and their families throughout California over our more than 40 years of practice. Our success is built on a foundation of legal expertise, genuine compassion for our clients, and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for those we represent.
We understand that families coping with sudden, traumatic loss face enormous emotional and financial pressures. That’s why we handle all wrongful death cases arising from hit-and-run accidents on a contingency fee basis. This “no win, no fee” structure means our clients pay no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation on their behalf. Families can access experienced, aggressive legal representation regardless of their financial circumstances.
The death of a 17-year-old girl in this senseless hit-and-run collision is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences when drivers fail to fulfill their legal and moral obligations after causing an accident. While nothing can undo this tragedy or restore the future that was stolen from this young woman and her family, legal action can provide accountability and meaningful support during an unimaginably difficult time.
If your family has lost a loved one in a hit-and-run collision, we encourage you to contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your story with compassion, explain your legal options clearly, and help you understand the steps to pursue justice for your loved one. There is no obligation, and everything you share with us remains confidential.
Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident Settlement Calculators
Understanding the potential value of a wrongful death claim can help families make informed decisions during an extraordinarily difficult time. Fatal hit-and-run accident settlement calculators are specialized tools designed to provide families with an estimated range of compensation they might receive based on the specific circumstances of their case.
These calculators take into account multiple factors that influence settlement values, including the deceased person’s age, earning capacity, life expectancy, the financial dependency of surviving family members, the nature and extent of the family’s emotional losses, funeral and burial expenses, and any economic contributions the deceased would have made over their lifetime.
For a case like the 17-year-old with her entire life ahead of her who was killed, the calculator would consider her potential future earnings, the decades of companionship and support her family has lost, and the immeasurable value of guidance and care she would have provided to future family members. These calculators typically employ actuarial tables, economic data, and legal precedents from similar cases to generate estimates. However, it’s crucial to understand that settlement calculators provide only approximate ranges—not guaranteed outcomes.
Every wrongful death case is unique, and factors such as the strength of evidence, the at-fault party’s assets and insurance coverage, the jurisdiction where the case is filed, the skill of legal representation, and the willingness of parties to negotiate all significantly impact final settlement amounts. In hit-and-run cases specifically, the calculator helps families understand what compensation they might pursue once the driver is identified, or what they might recover through uninsured motorist coverage if the driver remains unknown.
While no amount of money can compensate for the loss of a loved one, these calculators serve an important educational function, helping families understand the economic realities of their situation and set realistic expectations as they pursue justice. An experienced wrongful death attorney can provide a more detailed, personalized assessment by reviewing the specific facts of the case, examining all available insurance policies, calculating precise economic losses, and drawing on their knowledge of verdicts and settlements in comparable cases to give families a clearer picture of potential compensation. Call us now at +1-866-218-3776 to speak with our experts.
Taking the First Step Toward Justice
“Losing a child to a hit-and-run driver represents every parent’s worst nightmare—not only the devastating loss itself, but the knowledge that someone fled the scene rather than stopping to help or face responsibility for their actions. For Jeana Flores’ family, this isn’t just about seeking financial compensation; it’s about finding answers, achieving accountability, and ensuring that the person who took their daughter’s life cannot simply disappear without consequences. These cases require immediate action—evidence can disappear, memories fade, and the driver may attempt to conceal their involvement by repairing vehicle damage. Our firm works aggressively alongside law enforcement, employing our own investigators and accident reconstruction experts to help identify hit-and-run drivers, even when it seems impossible. We’ve seen too many families suffer in silence, believing nothing can be done until the driver is found. That’s simply not true. There are steps we can take right now to protect your rights, preserve evidence, explore insurance coverage options, and begin building a case that will be ready the moment the responsible party is identified. If your family has lost a loved one in a hit-and-run collision, please reach out to us immediately. You deserve answers, you deserve justice, and you deserve an advocate who will fight relentlessly on your behalf during the most difficult time of your life.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys
If your family has been devastated by the loss of Jeana Flores or any loved one in a hit-and-run accident, don’t face this overwhelming challenge alone. GJEL Accident Attorneys stands ready to fight for your family’s rights and pursue the justice your loved one deserves. We understand that in the aftermath of such a tragic loss, families face crushing emotional pain alongside mounting financial pressures from funeral expenses, lost income, and the burden of navigating complex legal and insurance systems.
That’s precisely why we handle every wrongful death case on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay absolutely nothing upfront, no retainer fees, no hourly billing, and no out-of-pocket costs for our investigation, expert witnesses, or case preparation. We only receive payment if we successfully recover compensation for your family, ensuring that financial concerns never prevent you from accessing experienced, aggressive legal representation when you need it most.
Our “no win, no fee” guarantee means we assume all the financial risk while you focus on grieving and healing. With over $1 billion recovered for clients throughout California and more than 40 years of experience handling complex hit-and-run and wrongful death cases, GJEL has the resources, expertise, and commitment to take on even the most challenging cases.
Don’t let the statute of limitations run out or let critical evidence disappear—contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today at +1-866-218-3776 or visit our Oakland office for your completely free, confidential consultation. Our compassionate legal team will listen to your story, answer your questions, explain your options, and begin fighting for your family immediately. There’s no obligation, and everything you share remains confidential. Let our family fight for yours.
Resources for Families Coping with Sudden Loss
The sudden, violent loss of a loved one in a hit-and-run accident creates overwhelming emotional and practical challenges for surviving family members. While no resource can undo the tragedy, support services can help families navigate the difficult days and months ahead:
Antioch Police Department
Address: 300 L Street, Antioch, CA 94509
Non-Emergency Line: (925) 778-2441
Emergency: 911
Website: https://www.antiochca.gov/government/police-department/
Email: police@antiochca.gov
The Antioch Police Department’s Traffic Division investigates all traffic collisions in the city. Families can contact the department for updates on the investigation, to request collision reports, or to provide additional information that may assist detectives. The department also offers victim services and can connect families with appropriate resources.
Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office
Address: 940 Muir Road, Martinez, CA 94553
Phone: (925) 313-1485
Fax: (925) 313-1490
Website: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1115/Coroners-Bureau
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Coroner’s Office provides death certificates, autopsy reports, and information regarding the cause and manner of death. Families will need to work with this office to obtain official documentation and to claim personal effects.
Victim Witness Assistance Program (Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office)
Address: 900 Ward Street, Martinez, CA 94553
Phone: (925) 957-8600
Website: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1258/Victim-Services
Email: victimwitness@contracosta.ca.gov
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
This program provides comprehensive support services to victims of crime and their families throughout the criminal justice process. Services include crisis intervention, court accompaniment, assistance with victim impact statements, help navigating the criminal justice system, and referrals to additional community resources.
California Victim Compensation Board
Phone: 1-800-777-9229
Website: https://victims.ca.gov/
Email: info@victims.ca.gov
Online Application: https://www.victims.ca.gov/victims/howtoapply.aspx
The CalVCB provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime for expenses including funeral and burial costs (up to $10,000), grief counseling, loss of income or support, medical and dental expenses, and relocation expenses if necessary. Applications must be filed within three years of the crime, and families do not need to wait for an arrest or conviction to apply.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Services
24-Hour Helpline: 1-877-MADD-HELP (1-877-623-3435)
Website: https://www.madd.org/victim-services/
Email: victims@madd.org
MADD provides emotional support, assistance in navigating the criminal justice system, court accompaniment, and connections to other bereaved families. While this case’s circumstances are still under investigation, MADD offers support to all traffic crash victims and their families regardless of whether alcohol was involved.
The Compassionate Friends (Bay Area Chapter)
Phone: (650) 762-7878
Website: https://www.tcfbayarea.org/
National Website: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/
Email: tcfbayarea@gmail.com
The Compassionate Friends is a national organization providing peer support for families who have lost a child of any age. The Bay Area chapter offers monthly support group meetings, online forums, annual memorial services, and connections with other bereaved parents who understand the unique pain of losing a child.
Contra Costa Crisis Center
24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-833-2900
Youth Crisis Line: 1-800-833-2900
Website: https://www.crisis-center.org/
Text: “HOPE” to 20121
The Crisis Center provides immediate emotional support, crisis intervention, and referrals to mental health services. Their trained counselors are available 24/7 to assist individuals experiencing emotional distress or crisis.
Antioch Unified School District (Counseling Services)
Address: 510 G Street, Antioch, CA 94509
Phone: (925) 779-7500
Website: https://www.antioch.k12.ca.us/
While officials confirmed Jeana Flores was not enrolled in AUSD, the district often provides grief counseling and support services to community members affected by tragic events involving local youth.
Grief Support Services of Contra Costa County
Phone: (925) 287-2273
Website: https://www.griefsupportservices.org/
Email: info@griefsupportservices.org
This organization offers individual counseling, support groups, and grief education workshops for adults, children, and families coping with loss. Services are provided on a sliding scale fee basis.
California Department of Insurance
Consumer Hotline: 1-800-927-4357
Website: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/
The Department of Insurance can assist families with questions about insurance claims, including uninsured motorist coverage claims and disputes with insurance companies.
Social Security Administration
National Number: 1-800-772-1213
Website: https://www.ssa.gov/
Local Office: Antioch Social Security Office, 3917 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA 94509
Families should contact Social Security to report the death, inquire about survivor benefits, and discuss any benefits the deceased may have been receiving.
Legal Aid of Contra Costa
Phone: (866) 534-2586
Website: https://www.la-cc.org/
Address: 1850 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 925, Concord, CA 94520
Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of Contra Costa County, which may include assistance with victim compensation applications and other legal matters arising from the loss.
National Center for Victims of Crime
Phone: (202) 467-8700
Website: https://victimsofcrime.org/
Helpline: 1-855-4-VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)
Offers comprehensive resources, referrals, and assistance to crime victims nationwide, including information about victims’ rights and the criminal justice process.
