Update | Fatality Reported in Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident in Modesto

Home » Update | Fatality Reported in Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident in Modesto
July 08, 2022
Edward Smith

Pedestrian Accident Fatality in Modesto

The Modesto Police Department is investigating a pedestrian accident fatality that occurred on the night of July 6, 2022. Bystanders found an injured man lying down in the road and contacted officials at approximately 10:50 p.m. to report the incident.

Details on the Pedestrian Accident Fatality in Modesto

Officers responded to the scene of the hit-and-run pedestrian accident on McHenry Avenue just north of Standiford Avenue. Authorities located the man close to a curb along the northbound lane.

Officials indicated that the man sustained injuries that were consistent with those of being struck by a car. Sadly, he was declared deceased at the scene. Authorities have recently identified the decedent as 23-year-old Dakota Stockton. A GoFundMe page has been established on behalf of Dakota Stockton and his family to help cover funeral service costs.

Officials arrested the suspect driver, a 26-year-old Modesto man, on July 13, 2022. Authorities were able to track them down through evidence gathered during the investigation to identify the suspect vehicle. The man was accused of street racing with four other vehicles when he crashed into Mr. Stockton. He has been charged with felony hit-and-run.

Benefits of Hiring a Wrongful Death Lawyer

While it may seem easier to handle all aspects of a wrongful death claim on your own, nothing could be further from the truth. That is because there are strict filing criteria and deadlines that must be met in such cases. You can make your life and the legal process easier by retaining legal counsel. By having the best accident attorney on your side, you can rest assured knowing that they will protect your rights and prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of you and your family. Some of the benefits of having a lawyer may include:

  • Hiring a Private Investigator: When a hit-and-run accident results in a loss of life, it may be challenging to piece together the incident and how it occurred, especially if the suspect party is not located by law enforcement. An accident attorney may work with a private investigator to track down the suspect vehicle and driver to hold them liable for damages incurred.
  • Conducting an Independent Investigation: Injury lawyers have extensive experience investigating pedestrian accidents, including those involving hit-and-run drivers. They may utilize their resources to work with experts in the field, such as accident reconstruction experts, to determine the sequence of events leading up to the incident. This may be useful, especially if the suspect driver and their insurer dispute liability for the incident.
  • Communicating with the Insurance Company: After a fatal pedestrian accident, the insurer representing the other side does not always play fair. The same may be said for your insurance company. That is because insurance carriers are in the business of protecting profit margins. That is why a family needs an experienced Modesto pedestrian accident lawyer to protect them and their best interests during this difficult time.
  • Meeting Deadlines: Filing a wrongful death claim requires substantial time and effort in addition to extensive paperwork. These documents must be filed properly and within the deadline to ensure that the case moves forward without issue. Your lawyer will work quickly to ensure that all deadlines are met accordingly in your case.

As you can see, the wrongful death claims process may be challenging to navigate. For information on how to select the best attorney to represent your family, watch this video.

Wrongful Death Attorney in Modesto

I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death attorney. The loss of a close relative is heartbreaking. When the loss was the result of a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, it may result in lasting pain and devastation. When you have lost someone that you love because of the negligence of another party or entity, you need an experienced law firm on your side to obtain justice and maximum compensation. You will receive just that when you turn to AutoAccident.com for assistance. Call now for free, friendly case advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.

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Photo Source: “Fotorech” on Pixabay

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