Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

SACRAMENTO - A man in his 20s was hit by a motorist in Elk Grove Saturday morning, KCRA News reports. The man, whose name was not released, was walking on Elk Grove Boulevard near School Street when a vehicle hit him and then fled the scene. It is uncertain what time this collision occurred as the male pedestrian was found unresponsive, and then declared dead by officials due to his injuries.

Officers at the scene found debris that may be linked to the vehicle involved, however, are seeking the public's help. Anyone with information regarding this horrible accident or the driver involved should call the Elk Grove Police Department at (916)478-8148.

Elk Grove Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident Liability

While the investigation of this fatal March 17th incident is ongoing, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to an Elk Grove personal injury attorney regarding their legal rights in a wrongful death claim. A lawyer experienced in hit-and-run pedestrian accidents can help authorities in locating the driver, along with protecting the family's legal rights in recovering the compensation they are entitled to for their devastating loss. If the driver cannot be found, an attorney can provide assistance in recovering the maximum compensation through the victim's insurance, if he has one.

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SACRAMENTO - A motor vehicle accident on Highway 160 that involved two pickup trucks resulted in the death of an Elk Grove man, 51-year-old Weiliang Li. According to the Sacramento Bee, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the California head-on crash occurred around 1:15 p.m. on Monday, March 14, 2011, north of the Antioch Bridge.

A pickup truck driven by a Rio Vista man was reportedly heading north when it veered into oncoming traffic, crashing head-on into the vehicle in which Li was a passenger. The driver of the pickup carrying Li was not reported to have suffered serious injury. However, the motorist of the truck the CHP reports to have crossed over the line sustained major injuries and was not identified.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data for the early estimates of January-June of 2010, 14,996 people died in motor vehicle traffic accidents. While the Highway 160 accident is still under investigation, since one of the pickup trucks reportedly drifted into the opposing lane, it is possible that driver fatigue, distracted driving, or drunk driving may have contributed to the crash.

Pickup trucks are known for having dangerous blind spots and a high likelihood of rolling. These potential risks make it all the more important for pickup truck motorists to be fully aware of their surroundings and follow all traffic laws.

If it is determined that another motorist's negligence caused a person to suffer serious injury or death in an accident, individuals who are injured or family members of those killed may be able to receive compensation for their losses and damages. A skilled Sacramento wrongful death attorney can help a family through this difficult time. While it may seem impossible to even think about contacting a lawyer after losing a loved one in a car collision, there is only a limited time allowed to family members to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "Highway 160 Head-On Accident Involving Pickup Trucks Kills Elk Grove Man" »

SACRAMENTO COUNTY - A 23-year-old Elk Grove man tragically died in a solo-vehicle crash Tuesday night in Elk Grove, the Elk Grove Citizen reported. The victim was identified by Sacramento County coroners as Jarrod Francis Harrington. According to multiple news accounts, Harrington was a passenger in a red Ford pickup truck travelling eastbound in the 9300 block of Calvine Road, near Waterman Road. For unknown reasons, the 22-year-old male driver of the truck apparently lost control and struck a retaining wall. The pickup truck overturned and came to rest near the center median. Harrington died at the scene of the crash. The driver was taken to the hospital with moderate, non-life-threatening injuries.

Cause of the Elk Grove Crash

The cause of this fatal February 1st accident remains under investigation. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is unclear why this crash happened. At this point, there are more questions than answers as to what happened. The Elk Grove Police Department is asking anyone with information about the crash to contact authorities at (916) 478-8148.

Car Accident Passenger Death Liability

When a passenger - any occupant of a vehicle other than the driver - is killed in a car accident, the family members of the victim may pursue a wrongful death claim for their loss against whoever is responsible. Damages available may include funeral and burial costs, anticipated lost earnings and benefits the decedent would have earned over the course of his lifetime, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim may benefit from speaking with a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer about the fatal Elk Grove car crash, and their legal rights and options to hold whoever is responsible for the crash financially accountable for their loss.

Continue reading "Elk Grove Man Killed in Crash on Calvine Road " »

A male bicyclist was tragically struck and killed by a Honda minivan Tuesday morning in Elk Grove, the Modesto Bee reported. The fatal bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of Sheldon Road and Lewis Stein Road, at about 7:28 a.m. According to news reports, the cyclist was riding northbound on Lewis Stein Road, and the minivan was travelling eastbound on Sheldon Road. Police reported that the cyclist was travelling in or near a marked crosswalk when the minivan struck him. It was not clear who had the right-of-way or how fast the Honda was traveling when the collision occurred.

Cause of the Elk Grove Bicycle Accident

Based on the only limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear who was responsible for the fatal collision. The incident is under investigation by Elk Grove Police Department Traffic Bureau. Anyone with information regarding the fatal September 21st Sacramento County bicycle accident is asked to call (916) 478-8148.

Bicycle Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the minivan is responsible for this fatal accident, he or she may be liable for the wrongful death of the cyclist. In situations such as this September 21st Elk Grove bicycle accident, where the cause of a fatal car vs. bicycle accident is unclear, the family members of the victim may benefit from speaking to an experienced northern California bicycle accident attorney. A lawyer who is also a cyclist and who specializes in representing victims of major injury bicycle accidents and their families can provide the family with advice and insight into their legal rights and any unique legal issues that may be relevant to pursuing a wrongful death claim for compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care and companionship.

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A 34-year-old Elk Grove man tragically died Monday night when he was struck by a car while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk, the Sacramento Bee reported. The August 16th accident occurred at the intersection of Elk Grove Boulevard and Waterman Road at about 9 p.m. The victim, identified by the Sacramento County Coroner as Eric Vernon Hayman, 34, of Elk Grove, was crossing the street within a crosswalk when he was struck by a black Honda del Sol travelling southbound on Waterman Road.

The 18-year-old man driving the Honda, who was not identified, pulled over after striking Hayman. Hayman was taken to a nearby hospital where he died of his injuries. Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact Elk Grove Police at (916) 478-8148.

Cause of the Fatal Pedestrian Accident

Elk Grove Police are investigating the cause of the fatal accident. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear why the 18-year-old driver of the Honda was not able to stop the vehicle. Was he speeding or distracted? Police reportedly ruled out drugs or alcohol as possible factors, and the driver was not cited at the scene of the crash. Law enforcement is surely investigating all possible causes to determine exactly what happened. The law regarding pedestrian right of way at crosswalks can be found in the California Vehicle Code Section 21950: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection..."

Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

If the driver of the Honda is determined to be responsible for this fatal Elk Grove pedestrian accident, he may be held liable for the death of Eric Hayman. In cases such as this one, where negligence may be a factor in a fatal accident, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a skilled and knowledgeable northern California pedestrian accident lawyer. Accidents where pedestrians are killed within a marked crosswalk have unique legal issues. An experienced attorney can help the victim's family understand and protect their rights, and if negligence was a factor in the crash, an attorney can help the victim's family recover the compensation they may be entitled to for their loss in a California wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Struck and Killed in Elk Grove Crosswalk " »