Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

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.

Continue reading "Man Injured in Sacramento Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident" »

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.

Continue reading "Elderly Man Killed in Stockton Hit-and-Run" »

STANISLAUS COUNTY - A 67-year-old bicyclist is hospitalized and facing life-threatening injuries after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver Friday morning in Modesto, KCRA News reports. The collision was reported at 6:40 a.m. when the bicyclist identified as Ray Rogers, was struck by a white pickup truck at the intersection of Sutter and Rouse avenues. The truck fled the scene of the accident before police authorities and emergency personnel arrived. The truck is also said to have some minor to moderate front-end damage.

Although it is uncertain who is at fault or had the right of way in this incident, there is no excuse for fleeing the scene of an accident. Hopefully, authorities can locate the driver involved and determine what happened in this devastating January 6th collision. Anyone with information regarding the incident or who has witnessed the crash should contact Modesto Police Department traffic officer Letsinger at (209) 652-2260.

After a serious hit-and-run accident such as this one, it would be well-advised for the victim to speak to a knowledgeable and experienced Modesto personal injury attorney. If the victim cannot contact a lawyer due his injuries and/or hospitalization, family members are advised to seek an attorney on his behalf. An attorney who understands the legal issues involving bicycle accidents can help the victim protect his rights in a personal injury claim, assist authorities in locating the driver, and ensure the victim is fully compensated for medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Injured in Modesto Hit-and-Run Accident" »

SACRAMENTO COUNTY -- A motorcyclist was tragically killed in a Sacramento hit-and-run accident Monday evening, The Sacramento Bee reported. The motorcyclist, Robert Preston Wilson, 64, of North Highlands, was struck by a white Volkswagen Bug at about 8:51 p.m. on the northbound lanes of Capital City Freeway. The impact of collision caused Wilson to be ejected from his bike and land on the freeway. As Wilson was lying on the roadway, a Mitsubishi Eclipse severely struck him as well. Witnesses at the scene told officials that the driver in the Volkswagen was weaving through traffic prior to the crash.

Following the two collisions, the driver of the Mitsubishi stopped, while the driver of the Volkswagen fled the scene of the accident. According to 10 News, the Volkswagen was found abandoned with a flat tire roughly an hour later on Interstate 80 near Elkhorn Boulevard.

UPDATE: 10 News reported on October 27th that the hit-and-run driver involved in a fatal Sacramento accident on Interstate 80 was arrested on Wednesday. The driver, Sequoia Jones, 22, of Sacramento, is being charged with felony hit-and-run, and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.

Cause of the Hit-And-Run Motorcycle Crash in Sacramento

The accident on October 24th remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, based on the information provided by The Sacramento Bee and 10 News, it is unclear why the driver of the Volkswagen Bug failed to stop. 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." Anyone with information regarding this fatal incident is asked to call the California Highway Dispatch at (916)338-6710, or after-hours at (916)861-1300.

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

The sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one can be traumatizing and devastating for family members. Therefore, while the accident remains ongoing, the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer. A skilled attorney who has handled Northern California hit-and-run motorcycle collisions, can advise the family of their legal rights, help in efforts to locate the driver, and determine the best course of action to the hold the responsible parties financially liable. If the family decides to take action in a wrongful death claim, an attorney can help them receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to for funeral/burial costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related damages in this tragic motorcycle accident.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Killed in Sacramento Hit-And-Run Accident on Interstate 80" »

HUMBOLDT COUNTY -- A male pedestrian, whose name was not released, was tragically struck and killed by a car in Hoopa, Times-Standard reports. The pedestrian accident occurred between 1 and 3 p.m. Wednesday on Pine Creek Road just north of Huckleberry Lane when a white pickup truck hit the man and then fled the scene. Details about the accident were not immediately available. However, the CHP are seeking information from anyone who witnessed or has information regarding this fatal hit-and-run incident.

Cause of the Hoopa Hit-And-Run Pedestrian Accident

The accident on October 19th remains under investigation by authorities. However, based on the limited information provided by the Times-Standard, it is not clear why the driver of the pickup failed to stop and remain at the scene of the accident. 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."

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In a fatal pedestrian accident such as this one, family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact an experienced Northern California wrongful death lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney who has handled pedestrian accidents, can help the family in efforts to locate the driver responsible, protect their legal rights to hold the driver (if found) financially liable, and decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for funeral/burial costs, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship. But, as it can be difficult to locate the driver who flees from the scene of an accident and in some cases, the driver is never found, the family can look into his insurance policy for financial compensation.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Tragically Killed by Car in Hoopa Hit-And-Run Accident" »

ALAMEDA COUNTY - A 22-year-old woman was struck by a car early Tuesday morning as she crossed the street at the intersection of San Pablo Avenue (CA-123) and Adeline Street. The woman, who was not identified, was struck by a dark colored, mid-size SUV at about 2:20 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12, as she was walking home from work. The driver of the SUV did not stop after he struck the woman and dragged her for more than 30 feet. The Mercury News reported that the SUV was last seen headed southbound on Adeline toward Oakland. The driver is believed to be a male. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Emeryville police at (510)596-3700.

Cause of the July 12th Pedestrian Accident

According to news reports, the pedestrian involved in this accident was in a marked crosswalk when she was struck. Regardless, the driver had every moral and legal obligation to remain at the accident scene until law enforcement arrived and took a report. California vehicle code mandates that the driver must stop after any accident that involves injury or death. When a driver flees the scene of an accident causing property damage, injury or death, the incident is called a hit and run.

Hit-and-Run Accident Liability

Following any serious injury accident, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to seek the advice of an experienced Oakland pedestrian accident lawyer. An attorney can review the police report, possibly aid in efforts to locate the driver, and investigate whether any other parties may be liable. If the injured victim had an uninsured motorist policy, an attorney may be able to help the family pursue a claim against the victim's own insurance company. Following a serious injury hit-and-run accident, it is advisable to speak with an attorney as soon as possible, so that witness statements and other important evidence can be preserved.

Continue reading "Woman Critically Injured in Emeryville Hit-and-Run Accident " »

A 61-year-old male pedestrian was killed after a 23-year-old man suspected of driving drunk struck him while he was crossing Masonic Avenue at Turk Boulevard. A San Francisco Chronicle article reports that the motorist apparently collided into parked cars over six blocks away from where he struck the pedestrian and then crashed into planter boxes outside of a San Francisco hospital. The series of crashes started around 2:30 a.m. on May 6. The man was arrested outside of the hospital on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving while under the influence of alcohol. He was reportedly taken to the hospital for sustaining unspecified injuries.

According to the article, this is the second fatal San Francisco auto accident in less than a year involving a hit-and-run and an allegedly drunk driver at the Masonic and Turk intersection. Last August, a 21-year-old German tourist riding a bicycle was hit and killed by a 36-year-old male driver who pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter and other charges.

In relation to the recent accident, the executive director of Walk San Francisco, a pedestrian advocate group, stated, "We need faster action and more comprehensive redesigns of the streets that we know are most dangerous in San Francisco." The executive director also noted that there is a street redesign process being carried out on Masonic, making it all the more tragic that this fatal crash occurred before the street could be made safer.

State municipalities are responsible for the safe and efficient design of roadways and intersections. While there may be potential grounds for an accident victim or members of their family to obtain compensation for accidents that occur because of poorly designed or dangerous road conditions, not every crash results in a lawsuit.

If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident in San Francisco that you believe was caused by a reckless, drunk, or hit-and-run driver, a San Francisco pedestrian crash lawyer can help you hold negligent parties liable. The time after a fatal accident is devastating and can cause financial burdens that many families don't expect. The sooner you act in preserving evidence from the accident and contacting an experienced attorney, the better your chances of obtaining justice.

Continue reading "San Francisco Hit-and-Run Accident Involving Drunk Driver Kills Pedestrian" »

SAN MATEO- A chain reaction accident in San Mateo that occurred on the morning of March 10, 2011 has left a motorcyclist dead. According to KTVU.com, it was unclear whether others involved in the crash suffered injuries.

A California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer stated that the chain reaction collision began when a Toyota Corolla smashed into a center diver wall on the highway, rendering the vehicle unable to operate and blocking a lane. The female driver of the car reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. The second crash occurred after a Good Samaritan stopped and tried to signal traffic with his flashlight. A motorcycle, Honda CRV, and a big rig were involved in the second accident. The CHP officer stated that while authorities are not sure if the two collisions are related, they think there is certainly a chance. The driver of the big rig left the scene of the accident.

Accidents involving multiple vehicles can be complex. Is it possible that more than one motorist caused the crash? If a person is killed, who can be held responsible? These questions can be even more difficult to answer if a motorist involved in the accident leaves the crash scene. All drivers have the duty to remain at the scene of an accident, whether or not they caused the collision. Hit-and-run charges can lead to criminal charges in addition to the consequences of civil liability.

Wrongful death motorcycle accidents are tragic. In far too many motorcycle accident cases, a motorcyclist's death could have been prevented if another motorist had checked their blind spot before changing lanes or hadn't been speeding. Because motorcyclists lack the same protection an occupant of a truck, bus, or small passenger vehicle has, motorcyclists can be more susceptible to serious injury or death. A San Francisco fatal motorcycle accident lawyer works to protect the rights of family members of motorcyclists killed in accidents caused by another motorist's negligence. Statute of limitations provide a window of time that family members are allowed to pursue compensation and hold negligent parties liable in a California wrongful death case.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Killed in Highway 101 San Mateo Chain Reaction Accident" »

Madera Police are looking for the driver of a white Volkswagen Jetta that fatally struck a 68-year-old Madera man Saturday night, the Fresno Bee reported. The fatal hit-and-run accident occurred at about 8 p.m. at the intersection of Sixth Street and South A. Street on Saturday, September 25th, 2010. The victim was identified as Eladio Lemus, 68, of Madera. Anyone with information about the accident is urged to call Madera Police at (559) 675-4212.

Hit-and-Run Accidents and the Law

Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, "The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to any person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident." Hit-and-run accidents are devastating incidents - there is absolutely no reason to not stop at the scene of an accident, regardless of who was at fault or how an incident occurs. For the sake of the family of the Eladio Lemus, we hope that the driver is located or turns himself or herself in shortly.

Hit-and-Run Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

In situations such as this one, where a pedestrian is the victim of a hit-and-run accident, the family members of the victim may benefit from speaking to a knowledgeable northern California hit-and-run accident lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney who has represented numerous families of victims of hit-and-run accidents may be able to aid in the investigation and preservation of evidence, as well as advise the family of the victim's legal rights in the event the driver is not located. If the victim had an automobile insurance policy, the victim's family may be entitled to compensation for their loss from that policy. If the driver is located and determined to be at least partially at fault for the accident, the victim's family may be able to pursue compensation against the driver in a civil claim for wrongful death.

Continue reading "68-Year-Old Madera Man Killed in Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident " »

A 3-year-old boy died Tuesday night after he was struck by an SUV at a Madera intersection, CBS 47 reported. The 3-year-old boy, who wasn't identified, was walking ahead of his siblings and cousins when he was struck by a SUV heading westbound on Olive Avenue near the intersection of Olive and Martin Avenue, just off Highway 99. Madera Police said the little boy and his family members were in the crosswalk when the accident occurred. The little boy was taken to Madera Community Hospital following the crash, where he died.

The driver was described as a light skinned female in her 20's, possibly Hispanic. Her vehicle was described with a late model silver or gray Saturn SUV. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Sgt. Dino Lawson at (559) 675-4212. For the sake of the victim's family, we hope that the driver involved in this crash turns herself in to law enforcement or is located as soon as possible.

Hit-and-Run Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

The death of a young child in a preventable accident is something no parent should ever be forced to experience or witness. The fact that a young woman did not stop following this accident is shocking and troubling. Because the driver stopped briefly following the accident, it is evident that she knew that she had struck the young boy. There is no excuse for the driver of the vehicle not remaining at the scene of the crash. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, "The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to any person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

In situations such as this one, the family members of the young victim killed would be well-advised to contact a northern California hit and run accident lawyer about the accident, the efforts to locate the driver, and the liability issues involved. In the event the driver is located, an attorney may be able to help the family pursue compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver. In the event that the driver is not located, an attorney may be able to help the family recover compensation for their loss from their own insurance policy, if they had one.

Continue reading "Three-Year-Old Madera Boy Struck and Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver " »

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.

Continue reading "Man in Wheelchair Struck and Killed on Highway 20 " »

A 70-year-old San Francisco woman tragically died after she was struck by a Toyota Prius Wednesday morning in San Francisco, authorities reported. The fatal pedestrian accident occurred in the Upper Haight neighborhood Wednesday morning at 7:58 a.m., at the intersection of Waller and Cole streets. Joyce Lau, a longtime San Francisco resident, was struck by a Toyota Prius driven by Iddo Avital, 26. Lau was reportedly in a marked crosswalk when she was struck. She was rushed to a hospital where she died early Wednesday afternoon. Avital initially fled the scene following the accident, but a witness was able to provide a partial license plate to police, who later tracked down Avital at his home and arrested him on suspicion of felony hit-and-run.

Cause of the Accident

The cause of the fatal pedestrian accident remains under investigation by the San Francisco Police Department. However, if news reports are accurate, this accident was caused by the driver of the Prius. It is fortunate that witnesses were able to provide information to locate the driver who fled the scene of the crash.

Hit-and-Run Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In situations such as this one, the driver who caused this pedestrian fatality may face criminal charges for failing to remain at the scene of the accident. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, "The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to any person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Additionally, the hit-and-run driver may be held financially responsible for the victim's death in a civil wrongful death claim. While this accident remains under investigation, the family of the victim may benefit from speaking to a knowledgeable northern California wrongful death lawyer about their situation and their legal rights as a result of this accident. An experienced attorney can advise the family of their best course of action to hold the driver financially accountable and responsible for his actions. In the event the driver was uninsured or underinsured, an attorney may be able to help the family recover compensation from the victim's own insurance policy, if she had one.

Continue reading "Elderly Woman Crossing Street Struck and Killed in San Francisco " »