Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

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.

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One person died and two others suffered major injuries in a multi-vehicle crash in Humboldt County Sunday night, the Times-Standard reported. The accident near Garberville happened at the intersection of Charlie Hurt Highway and California State Route 162, shortly after 10:30 p.m.

According to news reports, Jimmy Allen Jr., 25, of Willits, was driving a 1996 Hyundai Accent eastbound on Charlie Hurt Highway. At the same time, Stewart Fuzzell, 42, of Ukiah, was driving a 2006 Land Rover northbound on State Route 162.

Allen allegedly failed to stop at the intersection and his Hyundai was broadsided by Fuzzell's Land Rover. A passenger in the Hyundai, Donna Miller, 53, of Covelo, died in the crash. A second passenger in the Hyundai, Adam Azbill, 20, also of Covelo, suffered major injuries and was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Allen was also seriously injured. Fuzzell and a 32-year-old Florida man in his vehicle were not injured.

Cause of the January 2nd Crash

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. Investigators had not yet determined if alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash. Based on the news report, it is unclear why the driver did not stop. Was he distracted? Was he drunk? Was he speeding and unable to stop? Hopefully the investigation by the CHP will reveal exactly what happened and why.

Passenger Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

If news accounts are accurate and Allen did indeed fail to stop and yield to the Land Rover, he may be responsible for causing this major injury accident, including the wrongful death of Miller and the serious injuries sustained by Azbill. The family members of both of the victims of this accident would be well-advised to speak with a northern California personal injury lawyer following this collision. An attorney can review the law enforcement report and advise the victims' families of their legal rights to compensation and best course of action to protect their rights in a personal injury or wrongful death claim. In the event the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, an attorney can also advise how the victims' own insurance policy may be utilized to recover compensation.

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