Leggett Resident Arrested in U.S. 101 Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident
A Leggett resident, age 53, was arrested by authorities for suspected drunk driving and other charges in a September 20 fatal hit-and-run involving a Carmichael man, 67. The collision occurred near the entrance to Richardson Grove State Park around 1:30 p.m. Witness statements gathered by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said that the Carmichael man had stopped and was standing on the shoulder of the road to wait for a member of his family. This is when the man from Leggett in a Toyota Tundra veered off the road and collided with the pedestrian.
Driver Flees Scene of Fatal Hit-and-Run
After the Tundra driver struck the man, he left the scene and went south along Highway 101. Between witness reports and vehicle parts discovered by the CHP, an alert was released to keep a lookout for the suspect vehicle. Several employees of Cal-Trans spotted the vehicle and notified the CHP.
Police Locate Fleeing Driver When His Vehicle Becomes Blocked
Two officers spotted the vehicle. However, the driver continued fleeing, heading north at high speed and found himself blocked by a gate when he entered a private driveway. Officers used this opportunity to detain the driver. The damage to the driver’s vehicle and accident scene evidence matched the exact vehicle.
Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident Driver Arrested and Facing Multiple Charges
The Tundra driver was arrested in the fatal hit-and-run and booked at Humboldt County Jail under charges that included hit-and-run, DUI, and others. The investigation into the accident is ongoing by CHP traffic crash detectives. They ask witnesses who saw the accident or the fleeing vehicle to phone them at (707) 932-6100.
Drunk Driving Is a Common Cause of Accidents
Despite public education and police enforcement, drunk driving remains a significant cause of injury and fatalities in the United States. In many ways, being intoxicated, either by alcohol or drugs, can lead to a crash. These include falling asleep at the wheel, losing the ability to read street signs, and lessening vision. When your loved one dies in an accident involving a drunk driver, the immediate family members have the right to recover compensation for the following by filing a claim for wrongful death:
- The cost of the deceased’s funeral and burial can be recovered.
- Wages that a person would have earned until retirement age are recoverable.
- The spouse that survives can recover compensation for the loss of affection, love, and consortium they would have had if their husband/wife was still living.
- The family’s children have the right to recover compensation for the loss of a parent.
- Loss of household assistance includes areas in which the decedent contributes. They might include car and lawn care, childcare, cooking, cleaning, etc. Because of their demise, the surviving spouse may have to pay someone to perform those duties.
- If the case goes to trial, the family might be entitled to punitive damages. This is something that should be discussed with your lawyer.
When looking for a personal injury attorney, here are some tips from accident attorney Ed Smith:
Eureka Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Eureka’s personal injury lawyer, Ed Smith. Severe trauma can occur in a traffic accident, leaving you saddled with lost wages and high medical bills. It may be possible for you to file a compensation claim if you suffered injuries due to negligence by a driver or entity. Please call us at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. We can also be reached online.
Our accident attorneys handled the following cases, as examples, and have received the following testimonials from previous clients:
The injury lawyers at our firm are proud to be members of the Million Dollar Advocates and the Top 1 Percent.
Photograph Attribution: Image by MisersMillions from Pixabay
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