Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

SHASTA COUNTY -- A firefighter was tragically killed and two others were injured along a freeway in Cottonwood. The firefighter, Captain Mark Ratledge, 35, of Cottowood, and a CHP officer were responding to an earlier crash that occurred earlier this morning.

According to Chico Enterprise Record, Ratledge, the officer, and one of the passengers in an earlier car accident were struck by a 2003 Chevy S-10 pickup truck around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday on Interstate 5, just near Shasta Livestock Auction Yard.

The Anderson Valley Post reported that the pickup truck, driven by 31-year-old Jared Schumaker of Redding, apparently lost control of his truck as he tried to avoid running into another vehicle that spun out on the slick and hailed-covered road.

Following this horrible accident, the three individuals struck by the pickup were taken to Mercy Hospital, where Ratledge was reported to have died from his injuries. The condition of the CHP and the other person hit, were not immediately available.

Cause of the Fatal I-5 Accident in Cottonwood

Even though multiple news reports did indicate slick roads were present due to hail, drivers should be fully aware of their surroundings and take the necessary precaution when driving on dangerous roads. Hopefully, authorities can determine whether or not speed or unsafe driving were contributing factors to the crash, along with who is ultimately responsible for this horrible accident.

Shasta County Accident Liability

While the accident on February 29th remains under investigation by authorities, the injured victims or the family of the deceased victim would be well-advised seek immediate consultation from a caring and compassionate Shasta County personal injury attorney. A lawyer with extensive knowledge and experience in accidents involving personal injury and wrongful death, can ensure the legal rights of the victims and the family of the deceased are protected, and that they are fully and fairly compensated for their injuries or their tragic and unexpected loss.

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FRESNO COUNTY - On Sunday afternoon, a 3-year-old girl was struck and ran over by an SUV in a Walmart parking lot in Clovis, The Fresno Bee reported. The 4:10 p.m. accident happened at the Walmart located on Shaw Avenue. Officials at the scene are uncertain how this incident occurred and ruled out alcohol as a contributing factor. However, the driver was cited due driving without a license and the young girl was rushed to a hospital with unspecified injuries.

Clovis Pedestrian Accident Injury Liability

Based on the information obtained through various news reports, it was not evident what caused this pedestrian accident. Therefore, in incidents such as this one on February 26th, the family of the child would be well-advised to speak to an experienced Northern California pedestrian accident child victim lawyer. An attorney who is knowledgeable about accidents occurring in parking lots, can help protect the family's legal rights and decide the best way to recover compensation for her injuries and any other pain and suffering she sustained in this terrible pedestrian accident.

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SACRAMENTO -- A 45-year-old man was struck by a motorist in Sacramento Sunday morning, KCRA News reports. The terrible incident occurred just before 7 a.m. at Stockton Boulevard and Dias Avenue when the man was walking inside the crosswalk and then struck by a vehicle that eventually did not stop after the collision. The man, whose name was not immediately available, was transported to a hospital and is in critical condition.

According to Fox 40 News, police officials are searching for a newer model charcoal grey sedan, possibly a Honda with front-end damage. The driver of the suspect vehicle is described as an Asian male, 36 to 42 years old with medium build and scruffy facial hair.

The Sacramento Police Department is asking anyone who witnessed or has any information pertaining to this incident to call Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.

Cause of the February 19th Sacramento Hit-and-Run

Based on the information provided by news reports, it is unclear as to what happened and why the driver decided to flee the scene of the accident. But, regardless of how this accident occurred, there is no excuse for leaving the scene of an accident, especially when it involves another individual other than themselves to be seriously hurt.

Liability for Sacramento Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents

While the investigation of the accident remains under investigation by the Sacramento police, the victim or the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable Sacramento personal injury lawyer. An attorney experienced in hit-and-run pedestrian accidents can advise the victim of his legal rights, assist authorities in locating the driver, and help the victim recover the maximum compensation for his injuries. In the event the driver cannot be found, an attorney can ensure the victim obtains the compensation he is entitled to through his insurance, if he has one.

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FRESNO -- A motorcyclist, whose age and name was not released, was tragically killed in an accident off a Fresno freeway Friday afternoon. According to the Fresno Bee, the accident occurred at 12:40 p.m. on southbound Highway 99 near North Avenue, when a vehicle made an unsafe lane change forcing the motorcyclist to run off the left side of the roadway. The incident caused the motorcyclist to be thrown off his bike and land in gravel. The vehicle involved in the crash did not remain at the scene, and officers believe the driver did not realize what happened.

Liability for Fresno Motorcycle Accidents

In unique and complex situations such as this one, the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact an experienced and knowledgeable Fresno wrongful death lawyer. An attorney experienced in fatal motorcycle accidents not only can help protect the family's legal rights, but can assist authorities in locating the driver involved in this February 17th accident. However, if for any reason the driver cannot be located, an attorney can help the family obtain the maximum compensation for their tragic loss through the victim's insurance. Compensation can include and are not limited to funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, loss of love, care, support, affection, and companionship.

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SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY - CBS Sacramento News reported that an 85-year-old man died several hours later after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Stockton. The accident happened after 9:30 p.m. Wednesday when the elderly pedestrian was hit by unidentified vehicle while he was walking near his home on Benjamin Holt Drive and El Dorado Street. After the collision, the victim's family heard the crash and rushed to help him. The pedestrian was taken to a hospital where he later died due to his injuries.

The driver involved in the accident fled before authorities arrived. However, just after 10:30 p.m., a vehicle with front-end damage, a flat tire, and a deployed airbag was seen driving through the scene of the accident. The driver then sped off as police officers pursued the vehicle. The female driver was detained, but no reports have been confirmed if the car was in fact involved in the hit-and-run or if the woman was arrested.

Stockton Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident Liability

There is absolutely no excuse for fleeing the scene of an accident, especially when harm is inflicted upon another person. Under the California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a): "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

While the accident remains under investigation, the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact a Northern California pedestrian accident wrongful death lawyer. A skilled attorney who has handled fatal hit-and-run accidents, can protect the family's rights, aid authorities in locating or determining the driver involved, and ensure they recover the maximum compensation for their devastating loss. Compensation can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

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