Fundraiser for hit-and-run victim

Perez, 38, suffered life-altering injuries from which she may never fully recover, said her sister-in-law Jessica Murphy, who launched an online fundraiser to help the family afford the long path likely ahead.

Despite a brain aneurysm, stroke, facial fractures and contusions so severe that she did not look like herself, Perez’s condition stabilized to the extent that she is expected to survive, said Murphy.

“It’s looking like we are not going to lose her at this point,” said Murphy. “But she needs a lot of care for the next few years and likely the rest of her life.”

Meanwhile, Daly City resident Teodoro Garcia, 56, is due back in court in December for a jury trial after pleading not guilty to charges of felony hit-and-run and misdemeanor attempting to destroy evidence.

A witness saw him pull over to the side of the road after hitting the victim, get out of his car to look at her and then get back into his car before driving south away from the incident. The witness reported the incident to police, according to prosecutors.

He was arrested at a nearby car wash with one of Perez’s boots lodged in the front of the wheel well and visible damage to his car, said prosecutors. Garcia is out on $50,000 bail, but faces four years, six months in state prison if convicted.

Murphy said it is reasonable to expect a civil case will be filed against Garcia’s cab company, for which he was allegedly working without a license. But she was skeptical any payment awarded would cover the complete medical costs.

“We are trying to do anything we can to help plan for that,” said Murphy, with an expectation that Perez will likely require two or three years of rehabilitation followed by the potential need for sustained assistance.

Perez was moved recently from the intensive care unit and her vital signs stabilized, but her consciousness, vision and ability to communicate are limited. Questions also linger regarding her future mobility, as signs suggest she is struggling to move her limbs, said Murphy.

Perez continues to exhibit a sense of her loved ones’ presence though, said Murphy.

“The two people she has been most responsive to when she gives her responses, which are light, have been my brother and her daughter,” said Murphy.

The situation has been taxing on the family, acknowledged Murphy, who said Perez’s fiancée is holding up reasonably well considering the dire circumstances.

Perez and her fiancée have been in a relationship for 18 years and celebrated plans to get married just days before the crash. Murphy said the engagement ring is yet to be recovered, as most of the evidence collected at the scene is being held by police amidst the ongoing investigation.

A key source of information in the case is the anonymous Good Samaritan who witnessed the crash and reported it to police, said Murphy. Though details are limited about the person who made the critical call, Murphy shared her appreciation for the vital role played in saving her relative’s life.

“It was a lady. She was the one that called. So wherever she is, she’s amazing, because that’s why [Perez] is here,” said Murphy.

Before the crash, Murphy characterized Perez as a dedicated mother, who was deeply committed to her family and always looking to support her loved ones.

“She’s just a really caring person,” said Murphy.

And though she likely faces a long road to recovery ahead, Murphy said Perez continues to show the persistence and resolve to get better.

“She is definitely in there wanting to survive,” said Murphy.

Visit gofundme.com/laura-perez039s-medical-recovery-fund to contribute to the fundraiser.

austin@smdailyjournal.com

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