45-year-old Man Tragically Dies After Being Hit by Car in Santa Rosa

Stepanoff, 45, was hit on A Street near the westbound off-ramp to Third Street

A 45-year-old man was tragically killed after being hit by a car last February 20 in Santa Rosa. The incident happened at around 8:00 p.m. near the westbound off-ramp to Third Street by the Santa Rosa Plaza. 

The man was reportedly hit by a Nissan Maxima. Unfortunately, the driver remains unidentified, but it was confirmed that the driver was a woman. The victim was pinned under the vehicle after being hit. 

Sadly, the victim died due to the severity of his injuries. The authorities are currently investigating the case. 

FATAL PEDESTRIAN CRASH INVESTIGATION IN SANTA ROSA, CA

During the investigation, the police will attempt to determine the factors that caused the vehicle to hit the victim. 

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, around 6,227 pedestrians were estimated to have been killed in the U.S. back in 2018, which was a 250 increase from the previous year. Since 2008, pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. have spiked up to 41%, which accounts for 16% of all traffic fatalities. 

The increase in these pedestrian fatalities may be attributed to the rise in technology. More drivers are now getting distracted by their smartphones instead of keeping their eyes on the road. As a result, these negligent drivers would end up failing to avoid pedestrians. 

When facing cases like this, it is vital to have a Santa Rosa personal injury lawyer by your side to conduct an independent investigation. 

It’s essential to have the proper resources when attempting to prove the negligence of the suspect during a pedestrian accident case. Contributing factors such as road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting must be considered and thoroughly examine. It’s vital to go through these procedures to give the victim’s family the justice that they deserve. 

Regardless of whether a pedestrian crossing the street in a marked crosswalk or not, it’s important to remember that pedestrians always possess the right of way, and it is always the driver’s responsibility to avoid any incoming pedestrians. 

California Wrongful Death Attorneys Serving Santa Rosa, California

While the investigation is currently ongoing, the victim’s family is entitled to a wrongful death claim, which can enable them to seek compensation for the damages (such as loss of companionship, pain, and suffering, and emotional distress) that the incident has caused them. 

After the death of a loved one, the grieving family may be left vulnerable to manipulation by other parties. With the help of a wrongful death lawyer, they can ensure that the rights of the victim’s family will be protected while staying updated on the official investigation on their behalf.