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Manuel Leon Fatal After Hit-and-Run Accident in Valley Center

Valley Center, CA (April 15, 2024) –  Manuel Leon (27) of Fallbrook died in a hit-and-run accident in Valley Center after a 77-year-old driver hit him. According to NBC, the crash happened just before 7:00 a.m. on April 10.

Manuel Leon, 27 of Fallbrook, died in a hit-and-run accident in Valley Center after a 77-year-old driver hit him on April 10.

Manuel Leon Fatal in Hit-and-Run Accident in Valley Center

Manuel Leon, 27 of Fallbrook, sustained fatal injuries after a hit-and-run accident in Valley Center on April 10, 2024.

Working early in the morning around 7 a.m., Manuel Leon was performing his duties as a flagman on Cool Valley Road. Suddenly, a tan Toyota Corolla struck him and swiftly fled the scene, the California Highway Patrol reported. 

Unfortunately, despite being quickly flown to the hospital by air ambulance, he succumbed to his injuries.

During the arraignment on Monday, Manuel Leon’s pregnant wife, Monse, paid a heartfelt tribute to her husband. Sadly, she faces the future as the mother of their three children without him. 

Furthermore, Ruperto Jesus Lopez, 77, was charged with causing death or injury by hit-and-run. He pleaded not guilty to the charges on Monday. Investigators, with aid from Valley Center residents, managed to track down both the vehicle and Lopez, leading to his arrest.

Lopez might face a sentence ranging from 2 to 4 years if convicted. However, Monse argues that a life sentence would be more appropriate for taking her beloved husband, Manuel Leon from her. 

Currently, Lopez remains in custody on a $500,000 bond, with his court date set for April 24.

Where Did the Hit-and-Run Accident in Valley Center Happen?

What To Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Valley Center

If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in Valley Center, you may follow these steps to help you protect your safety after the crash and take the necessary legal actions when pursuing a personal injury claim:

  • Remain calm.
  • Call 911 or the Valley Center Police Department.
  • Check if you sustained injuries in the hit-and-run crash.
  • Contact the nearest hospital in Valley Center to seek medical attention immediately.
  • If you can, collect evidence at the accident scene, such as the other driver’s contact information, photos of the collision, and witness statements. 
  • Cooperate with the police officers. 
  • Seek legal representation from a personal injury lawyer who can help build your hit-and-run accident claim. 

Personal Injury (Wrongful Death) Claims: Manuel Leon in a Hit-and-Run Accident in Valley Center

If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in Valley Center resulting in wrongful death, you may file a personal injury claim to receive compensation for the accident’s damages. In this circumstance, the family members of Manuel Leon may be able to file a wrongful death case against the at-fault party.  

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is made when someone’s careless actions cause another person’s death. The claim demands fiscal reparation for the consequences of the accident. To receive the settlement, you must prove that the at-fault party’s actions directly caused the death. While no settlement can fully compensate for a lost life, financial recovery can provide support to the bereaved family.

Larry H. Parker has the best California wrongful death lawyers focusing on personal injury cases, such as car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents in areas of Southern California, including Fresno County, Valley Center, and Kern County. 

Although hundreds of personal injury lawyers might take your case and develop a legal defense, no one will fight for you more vigorously than us. We ensure our personal injury lawyers are prepared to build an error-free claim to guarantee the best outcome for you. If you need to understand your legal rights in a wrongful death claim, contact 800-333-0000 to schedule a complimentary legal consultation


The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker is not the legal representative for the parties mentioned above. However, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Manuel Leon in this hit-and-run accident in Valley Center.

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