A suspected drunk driver struck and killed a Pomona woman on Thursday night.
The crash involved a two-vehicle collision that happened at about 10:45 p.m. at the intersection of West Arrow Highway and Mariposa St. 32-year-old Marissa Leigh Vasquez was on her way to a nursing job when 37-year-old Michael Daniel Gardner slammed into her vehicle. Gardner then fled the scene on foot. With the assistance of witnesses, police were able to locate Gardner and arrest him.
According to police, Gardner was driving an unreported stolen 2014 Mercedes-Benz. He was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and grand theft auto. According to police officers, Gardner was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
Vasquez was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. She leaves behind a fiancé and a one-year-old daughter.
Who Pays When A Stolen Car Hits You?
If in fact the Mercedes-Benz was stolen, the insurance carrier which insures the car will not cover the accident based on "non-permissive use." If the drunk driver is covered under another auto insurance policy, then that policy would cover the accident. If the drunk driver had no auto insurance, then the victim's family could make a claim under her own auto insurance policy if she had uninsured motorist coverage.
If you or a loved one had been injured or killed by the driver of a stolen car or a drunk driver, you should speak with a car accident lawyer regarding your right to compensation for your losses.