Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Rancho Cucamonga, CA (August 23rd, 2021) – A motorist who fatally struck a person crossing the street fled the scene of the accident, which occurred on Saturday, August 21st, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The fatal accident happened shortly before 8:20 p.m. near the intersection of Milliken Avenue and Fourth Street. The victim, a Resident from Rancho Cucamonga, was crossing the street in an unmarked crosswalk when he was fatally struck by a vehicle headed west on Fourth St.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, the suspect vehicle is described as an older, dark-colored Nissan Sentra.
The injured pedestrian was rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. At the moment, the deceased victim is only being identified as a 54-year-old man. No other identifying information is immediately available.
The suspected driver has also not been identified and his/her whereabouts are unknown. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has any information about the accident is being asked to call the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The California Vehicle Code §20002 indicates that hit and runs are a misdemeanor in the state. These crimes carry a maximum penalty of up to six months in county jail and fines of up to $1,000. Hit-and-runs, however, can carry greater penalties when they involve bodily harm and/or driving while under the influence. In these situations, the crime can be charged as a felony.
A defendant who is charged with a hit-and-run will face the penalties of a criminal court, but the reckless driver can also be held accountable for the damages caused in the accident through civil court.
When a pedestrian loses his or her life in an accident caused by an unidentified driver, it can be challenging for the victim’s family to recover compensation for their losses. Generally, a victim’s family can seek monetary damages from the defendant by filing a wrongful death claim and proving that the driver’s negligent actions led to their loved one’s demise. If the driver cannot be located, however, obtaining compensation from the driver is impossible.
Despite this, the State of California’s tort laws allows for harmed parties to seek compensation from third parties whose actions may have played a role in causing the accident that led to the victim’s fatal injuries. It is important for families to seek the support of a qualified attorney who can help them build a case that can prove the third party’s negligence. To ensure critical evidence is secured, it is important to begin the case’s investigation quickly.
Similar to filing a case against the reckless driver, the plaintiffs will need to prove that the accused party owed a duty of care to the deceased victim and that a violation of this duty resulted in the victim’s passing. Evidence that can be collected to prove the party’s fault includes video surveillance of the accident, pictures of the scene, medical reports, and witness statements.
In a majority of pedestrian accident cases, accused third parties are government agencies that are responsible for the design of the road and its maintenance. When a road is poorly lit, unmaintained, or poorly designed, the agency responsible can be liable for the plaintiff’s damages, including loss of income, pain and suffering, loss of relationship, funeral costs, and more.
A claim filed against a government agency must adhere to a strict statute of limitations, which is usually no more than six months after the fatal accident. If the case is not filed within the allowed time frame, the plaintiffs will be unable to seek compensation for their damages.
If you have recently lost a loved one in a hit-and-run traffic accident, it is important that you seek the immediate counsel of a skilled personal injury attorney who has experience in handling these challenging cases. Third-party claims are challenging and can be stressful to pursue. Still, obtaining compensation for the costs resulting from the victim’s passing is important.
For more than a decade, the Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King has helped injured pedestrian accident victims or their grieving families receive the compensation they need and deserve after a negligent accident. Whether or not a pedestrian accident results in wrongful death, the accident will always have long-lasting repercussions that affect victims and their loved ones alike. With the support of a qualified attorney, holding negligent parties responsible for their actions is possible. Consider obtaining the support of the Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King today. To schedule your complimentary consultation, call (909) 297-5001 or complete the confidential contact form here.
Categories : Local News, Pedestrian Accidents, Rancho Cucamonga
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