A devastating scene unfolded in the heart of Redwood City Tuesday night. A simple commute turned into a tragedy that claimed the life of a 36-year-old man. This wasn't just a car accident. It was a senseless hit-and-run that has left a family shattered and a community in shock.
At Fairmont Law Firm, we see the aftermath of these catastrophic events every day. We know your life can turn upside down in seconds. When someone chooses to flee the scene of an accident, they aren't just breaking the law. They are showing a total disregard for human life. We are here to hold them accountable.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a hit-and-run, you need a car accident lawyer near me who understands the local courts and knows how to fight for the maximum compensation possible.
The Tragic Events on Woodside Road
The fatal incident occurred on Tuesday, July 15, 2026, shortly before 8:00 p.m. It began near the 800 block of Woodside Road, right by a Shell gas station. According to reports from KTVU and CBS News Bay Area, a 36-year-old man was a passenger in a Jeep traveling southbound on Hudson Street.
Suddenly, a white Ford pickup truck exiting an alleyway sideswiped the Jeep. The driver of the Jeep did the right thing. They pulled over immediately to exchange information and check for damage. But the driver of the Ford pickup chose a different path. Instead of stopping, he accelerated and fled westbound on Woodside Road.
The passenger of the Jeep, wanting to hold the fleeing driver responsible, got out of the vehicle. He managed to catch up to the pickup truck when it slowed down in traffic just blocks away. He reached out to stop the driver, but the driver didn't stop. Instead, he hit the gas.
The victim was dragged and then run over by the heavy pickup truck. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the injuries were too severe. The 36-year-old man died right there on Woodside Road. The suspect continued his flight, leaving a dying man behind in the street.
Arrest and Charges: Seeking Justice for the Victim
Justice began to move the following day. Redwood City police used advanced technology, including drones, to locate the unoccupied white Ford pickup used in the crime. They seized the vehicle as evidence.
On Wednesday, the suspect: identified as 32-year-old Lazaro Gregorio Chacajlux of Redwood City: surrendered to authorities. He was booked into the San Mateo County Jail. He currently faces several serious charges, including:
- Felony Hit-and-Run: Fleeing the scene of an accident involving injury or death.
- Gross Vehicular Manslaughter: Causing a death through negligent or unlawful driving.
While criminal charges are a necessary step, they don't always provide the financial support a family needs after losing a primary breadwinner or facing massive medical and funeral expenses. That is where a personal injury lawyer california steps in. We pursue civil justice to ensure the victim's family is taken care of.
Your Rights After a California Hit-and-Run
California law is very clear. Every driver involved in an accident must stop, provide identification, and offer aid if someone is injured. When a driver like Chacajlux fails to do this, they face both criminal and civil liability.
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, you might feel like you have no options because the other driver is unknown or in jail. But you have rights. You may be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy’s Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. If the driver is caught, we can go after their insurance or their personal assets.
We fight to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills and hospital stays.
- Funeral and burial expenses for wrongful death cases.
- Lost wages and future loss of earnings.
- Emotional trauma and pain and suffering.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run
If you find yourself in the middle of a hit-and-run situation, your safety is the first priority. Never attempt to chase a fleeing driver at high speeds or put yourself in physical danger like the victim in this tragic Redwood City case. Instead, follow these steps to protect your legal claim.
Step 1: Call 911 Immediately
Reporting the crime quickly gives the police the best chance of catching the suspect. Tell them everything you remember about the vehicle.
Step 2: Document the Scene
If you are physically able, take photos of the damage to your car and the surrounding area. Look for witnesses who may have seen the license plate or the driver.
Step 3: Look for Cameras
Many Redwood City businesses, like the Shell station on Woodside Road, have surveillance cameras. Our team can help secure this footage before it is deleted.
Step 4: Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don't feel "hurt," adrenaline can mask serious internal injuries. A medical report is vital evidence for your car accident attorney california.
Step 5: Contact Fairmont Law Firm
Do not talk to insurance adjusters until you speak with us. They want to settle for as little as possible. We want to get you every penny you deserve.
Why Fairmont Law Firm is the Right Choice
We understand the pain and frustration that comes with a hit-and-run. Our team has recovered millions for clients across all 58 counties in California. We are not just your lawyers; we are your advocates.
We offer:
- ZERO Fee Until We Win: You don’t pay us a dime unless we secure a settlement or verdict for you.
- Available 24/7: Accidents don't wait for business hours, and neither do we.
- Free Case Evaluation: We will review your accident for free and tell you exactly what your case is worth.
- Fast & Aggressive Representation: we move quickly to preserve evidence and build your case.
Hit-and-Run Survival Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you are protected if a driver flees the scene:
[ ] Safety First: Move to a safe location away from traffic.
[ ] Call 911: Ensure a police report is filed immediately.
[ ] Note Details: Write down the make, model, color, and any part of the license plate you saw.
[ ] Check for Witnesses: Get names and phone numbers of people nearby.
[ ] Avoid Confrontation: Do not try to physically stop a fleeing vehicle.
[ ] Call Fairmont Law Firm: Get a professional team on your side right away.
Contact a Redwood City Car Accident Attorney Today
The tragedy on Woodside Road is a somber reminder of how dangerous our roads can be when people act recklessly. If you have lost a loved one or suffered an injury because of a hit-and-run driver, you don't have to face the legal battle alone.
We are ready to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. We serve the entire Redwood City area and all of California. Let us take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
Call Fairmont Law Firm now at (800) 500-1234 or visit our Contact Page for your free consultation. We are available 24/7 to help you start your recovery.