Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash in Walnut Creek

On Saturday, October 1, 2022, the Walnut Creek Police Department reported a fatal hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian. The incident took place at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Civic Drive and North California Boulevard, according to Walnut Creek PD.

Details on the Fatal Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crash in Walnut Creek

Officers from Walnut Creek PD reported that a pedestrian was walking in the area and tried to cross N. California Blvd. When doing so, the pedestrian was allegedly hit by a car. The driver reportedly left the crash site before authorities arrived. The suspect vehicle was described as a sedan that was tan or gold in color.

The pedestrian was transported to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Sadly, she was declared deceased during hospitalization. Family members on a GoFundMe page identified the decedent as Chungthuy Le, owner of Lavender Dreams, a local nail and spa salon.

A recent development in the case revealed that video surveillance footage and tips from eyewitnesses helped officials track down the suspect’s vehicle in Brentwood. Investigators took in the car as evidence.

Walnut Creek PD reported that a 29-year-old Brentwood man has been arrested in connection with the fatal incident. He was booked into Martinez Detention Facility. He is facing charges of felony hit-and-run with bodily injury and gross vehicular manslaughter. The case has been sent to the District Attorney to review the charges.

Does Insurance Cover Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents?

The death of a family member is a painful and devastating experience. The grief from that loss may be compounded with frustration and anger when the family discovers that a loved one lost their life unnecessarily in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. While nothing may ever make things right again nor replace the loss of a close relative, the deceased’s family may hold the at-fault party liable by seeking economic and non-economic damages in a wrongful death claim. Fortunately, an experienced accident attorney can help survivors do that.

In a fatal pedestrian accident, a claim may be brought against the driver responsible for the incident and their auto insurance company. However, the process may be challenging to navigate if it occurs because of a hit-and-run driver. When this happens, a wrongful death lawyer may work with a private investigator to locate the suspect driver if law enforcement is unsuccessful in doing so.

While a search for the suspect driver and vehicle is ongoing, an attorney may investigate whether uninsured motorist coverage may come into play for the hit-and-run accident, whether that be the decedent’s policy or that of a family member they lived with. The latter is a viable option so long as the deceased is not excluded from that relative’s policy. While it can be a big step to entrust a wrongful death claim to any lawyer, it is in a family’s best interest to do so. Unlike the insurer and defense counsel, a Concord pedestrian accident lawyer will protect a family’s right to financial compensation.

What Damages Can Survivors Seek in a Wrongful Death Claim?

In California, surviving family members may seek reimbursement for economic and non-economic damages in a wrongful death case. These may include:

Medical expenses (generally recoverable through a survival action)
Mental anguish from the unexpected loss of a loved one
Loss of protection, care, and companionship
Costs of funeral and burial services
Lost benefits and income

If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident due to someone else’s negligence, your family should not have to pay for losses out of pocket. Our accident lawyers are here to help your family through the process and seek justice and maximum compensation on your behalf. Learn more by watching this video or calling today for a free case evaluation.

Wrongful Death Attorney in Concord

I’m Ed Smith, a Concord wrongful death attorney. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal hit-and-run pedestrian accident, our legal team is here for you and your family. Call our law firm today to discuss your case and receive free, friendly advice at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400.

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Since 1982, our legal team has worked hard to secure successful verdicts and settlements for our clients. We have been recognized by the Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Advocates for our case results and the level of excellent service that we provide to clients.

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