Orange County Accident Lawyer Blog

A female pedestrian was killed after being hit by a vehicle and being dragged several city blocks in downtown Los Angeles.

  
The accident occurred around 2am on December 3, 2009 at the intersection of 7th Street and Ceres Avenue. After hitting the victim, the female driver dragged her approximately eleven blocks to the intersection of Fifth and Los Angeles Streets. Police had to pull the driver over to get her to stop.

   
The suspect has been identified as 43-year-old Nancy Lekon. The 26-year-old victim was Sonya Tauanuu. The accident resulted from a dispute between the driver and the victim. The disagreement escalated and the driver intentionally ran over the victim. The victim was caught in the driver’s wheels and dragged for almost a mile.

  
Police believe the suspect was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. She is currently in police custody for homicide.

  
The driver is facing criminal charges and, if convicted, the victim’s family may receive minimal restitution. However, by filing a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court, the victim’s family may be eligible for compensation for burial expenses, lost income, emotional distress and the victim’s pain and suffering. This won’t bring her back, but it does hold the driver accountable for her actions.

  
If a family member has been a victim of a hit-and-run driver, the Orange County accident attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie can help your family obtain accountability. Call us at 866-385-1282 to schedule a free consultation.