Vallejo, CA – A beloved Vallejo community leader is seeking support after being injured in a hit-and-run collision on December 20, 2024, according to KRON.
Melvin Jones, a 48-year-old commissioner and the head of the Boys & Girls Empowerment Group’s food pantry, was struck while transitioning from his wheelchair to his car in front of his home on Sandpiper Drive. The crash destroyed his wheelchair, severely damaged his car, and left him with a broken foot.
Jones recalled the terrifying moment when he realized a car was barreling toward him. He stated that he managed to pull himself into his car before the vehicle struck his wheelchair, launching it into the street.
Paralyzed from the hips down since surviving a shooting at age 22, Jones remains determined to continue his service to the Vallejo community through the Boys & Girls Empowerment Group, which provides critical resources to low-income families.
A GoFundMe campaign opened on his behalf aims to raise funds for a new wheelchair, car repairs, and medical expenses. Donations and messages of encouragement have poured in, showcasing the profound impact Jones has had on Vallejo.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
Should the at-fault driver avoid legal consequences, compensation for victims might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
