Two cousins were seriously injured in a suspected hit-and-run crash outside their Fontana home after returning from a day of hiking on July 11, 2026. According to family members, Gabriel Ruiz and his cousins, 24-year-old Sebastian Ruiz and 33-year-old Isaac Barrios, had just returned from hiking at Stoddard Canyon Falls in Claremont. After parking their vehicle in a residential neighborhood near Fairfax Avenue and Lemon Court, Sebastian and Isaac began unloading the car. Investigators say a vehicle that was backing up on the street suddenly struck both men before fleeing the scene without stopping to help. Paramedics rushed the injured cousins to a nearby hospital with severe injuries. Sebastian suffered devastating leg injuries, underwent multiple surgeries, and spent time in the intensive care unit, where doctors feared he could lose his leg. Isaac also suffered serious leg injuries and will require extensive rehabilitation as he continues his recovery.
The suspect driver remains at large as investigators continue searching for the vehicle involved in the collision. Surveillance footage captured the crash, although the video is grainy and has made identifying the suspect more difficult. Family members believe the vehicle may be an older-model silver Hyundai Genesis sedan, possibly from the 2009 to 2011 model years, with rear-end damage and a license plate that may begin with the number “9.” They also suspect the driver may have been attempting to avoid a nearby DUI checkpoint at the time of the crash. Authorities continue investigating the hit-and-run and are asking anyone with information about the suspect vehicle or driver to come forward.
At the Medler Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping victims of pedestrian accidents recover the compensation they deserve after being injured by negligent drivers. We immediately investigate every pedestrian accident by obtaining police reports, securing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and preserving critical evidence before it is lost. Our attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary to determine exactly how the pedestrian accident occurred and identify every responsible party. In hit-and-run pedestrian accidents, we aggressively pursue every available lead and explore all potential sources of compensation, including uninsured motorist coverage when applicable.
We fight to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, and every other damage resulting from pedestrian accidents. We handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies so our clients can focus on healing instead of dealing with adjusters. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take the case to trial and fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve. At the Medler Law Firm, we are committed to standing beside victims of pedestrian accidents and their families every step of the way while aggressively protecting their rights under California law.
For free consultations, call us at 949-577-8177
