Merced County Hit-and-Run Accident Fatally Injures Modesto Man
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto car accident lawyer. An elderly Modesto man was driving his vehicle near Merced County during the midnight hour of Sunday, November 26, 2017. Sadly, this would be the last drive the man would take due to the fault of an alleged hit-and-run driver.
We would like to extend our thoughts and condolences to the friends and family of Gary Knoll who passed away in this senseless, heart-wrenching accident.
What Happened?
An elderly man was driving his 2014 Nissan Versa northbound along Highway 99 in the vicinity of Shanks Road in Delhi at about 12:50 am. The elderly man slowed his vehicle for stopped traffic ahead as emergency responders blocked off the area for an initial car accident reported at 12:25 am. A Livingston man was driving his 2008 Chevrolet Silverado northbound along Highway 99 and was approaching the initial crash scene. The Chevrolet allegedly failed to stop in time and collided with the rear-end of the Nissan Versa. The impact of the collision propelled the Nissan into the rear-end of a 2012 Infiniti and then into a 2011 Toyota Prius. The driver of the Chevrolet allegedly abandoned his vehicle at the scene and fled the area on foot.
Nature of Injuries
A total of six parties, all from Rancho Cordova, were identified as occupants of both the Infiniti and the Toyota Prius. These parties suffered minor injuries and were transported to hospitals in Modesto for injury treatment. The age of the victims ranged from 15 to 44. The elderly man driving the Nissan Versa, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries as a result of the collision.
Coroner Identifies Victim
The Merced County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim of the fatal car accident as 75-year-old Gary Knoll of Modesto.
Police Investigation Reports
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) indicated that the driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, 27-year-old Josue Orlando Cruz of Livingston, contacted local authorities a short time after the crash to report that his vehicle had been stolen. Officers from the Atwater Police Department responded to the stolen vehicle report and met with Cruz to investigate. According to police, Cruz had appeared to suffered multiple injuries, including a laceration to the shoulder. The injuries were found to be consistent to those sustained from a motor vehicle collision. Officials also noted that Cruz had fragments of glass in his hair that appeared to have been from windows of a vehicle.
Police Arrest Livingston Man for DUI
After officials put the details together, officials concluded that Josue Orlando Cruz was involved in the fatal car accident and was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. Cruz was detained on suspicion of making a false report to law enforcement, hit-and-run resulting in injury or death, drunken-driving resulting in injury or death and vehicular manslaughter. Cruz may face more charges as the investigation continues.
Handling Hit-and-Run Accidents
Accidents caused by hit-and-run drivers are complex cases to handle. Such accidents require thorough Traffic Collision Reports by law enforcement. These reports may sometimes be inconclusive or contain error relating to liability, leaving the loved ones of an affected party with endless, unanswered questions. When a party has suffered traumatic injuries or even death as a result of a hit-and-run accident, it is critical to contact a Modesto car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can investigate further into the matter and shed light on the liable party for the damages they have caused due to their negligence.
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Modesto Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto car accident lawyer. Car accidents are stressful situations to handle, especially when injuries or death are involved. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, motorcycle or truck accident, please call me at (209) 227-1931 for free, friendly advice. Elsewhere, you may contact me toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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