A 73-year-old Ukiah man was found dead Thursday morning off the side of Highway 20, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported. The man, whose name was not immediately released, was found by a Caltrans Worker at about 8:50 a.m., west of Reclamation Road. Based on the evidence found at the scene, authorities determined that the vehicle that struck the man was a silver Honda Civic made between 1993 and 1995. The vehicle had been travelling west on Highway 20 when it veered onto the shoulder and struck the elderly man in his wheelchair. The driver fled the scene.
Officers later located a Honda Civic in Nice with right-side damage. They interviewed the driver, Manuel Herrerra, 30, and arrested him on suspicion of hit-and-run. According to the Press Democrat, Herrera told authorities he was running late for work and travelling up to 80 mph when he struck the man on the shoulder of the highway.
Cause of the Fatal Highway 20 Crash
The cause of the fatal Lake County crash remains under investigation. Based on the news reports of the incident in the Lake County Record Bee and the Press Democrat, it appears that this accident was caused by the negligent driving of Manuel Herrerra. There is no excuse for failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing injury or death. - it is required by law under California Vehicle Code Section 20001. It is unclear exactly how this particular accident occurred, but it is possible that if Herrera had stopped at the scene and called 911, this man might have been able to receive medical treatment that could have saved his life.
Hit-and-Run Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability
In addition to criminal charges for causing this accident and failing to remain at the scene of this crash, the at-fault driver may also be held liable in a civil claim for the victim's wrongful death. In situations such as this one, where the driver of a car is suspected to be responsible for killing a pedestrian, the victim's family may benefit from speak to a knowledgeable northern California wrongful death lawyer. An attorney who has successfully represented victims of hit-and-run accidents on state highways will be able to advise the victim's family of their best course of action to protect their rights, hold the driver accountable, and recover the maximum financial compensation they are entitled to receive.
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