A 41-year-old man identified as David Lawson was killed after getting hit by two vehicles on a roadway in Modesto on Monday morning, August 10.
The accident transpired at around 2:00 a.m. on Highway 99 near Sierra Drive. According to the California Highway Patrol, the victim was walking on the northbound lanes of Highway 99 when he was suddenly hit by a car.
Due to the severity of the impact, the pedestrian was thrown into the middle of the freeway, where he was later struck by another car, a 1998 Ford Mustang. The Ford Mustang then lost control and crashed into a center divider. The second driver remained at the scene and cooperated with local authorities.
The first driver fled the scene and did not stop to help the victim. Local authorities are actively pursuing the first driver.
Fatal Pedestrian Accident Investigation is Underway
Local authorities are currently further investigating the case. They are also actively pursuing the driver of the first vehicle as he explicitly left the scene instead of stopping to help the victim.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, around 6,227 pedestrians in the U.S. were killed in 2018, a 250 increase from the previous year. Pedestrian fatalities have increased tremendously in the U.S. since 2008, at 41 percent, which accounts for 16 percent of all traffic fatalities.
Pedestrians currently make up a large percentage of traffic fatalities in the past 33 years. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. have increased by 27 percent from 2007-2016 while other traffic-related deaths decreased by 14 percent. Some common reasons for pedestrian accidents are negligent driving, speeding, and drivers failing to yield to pedestrians.
When facing cases like this, it’s vital to have an experienced Stanislaus County wrongful death attorney specializing in fatal pedestrian accidents to conduct an independent investigation. Attorneys have the resources that can help them prove the negligence of the liable party. They can re-interview important witnesses, review relevant surveillance footage from the scene, and obtain the responsible party’s phone and texting records.
Wrongful Death Attorney for Victims of Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in Stanislaus County
The pain and sorrow the victim’s family faces after the sudden death of a loved one due to a fatal pedestrian accident can put them in extreme distress. While waiting for the results of the official investigation, the victim’s family is encouraged to pursue a wrongful death claim with the help of their attorney.
With the wrongful death claim, the victims can seek financial compensation for damages like loss of income, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Attorneys can serve as a compassionate, helpful legal guide during this difficult time for the grieving family. They will vigorously fight for their client’s rights and best interests while ensuring that the liable party will be held accountable for their negligence. Attorneys can also negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of their clients to ensure that they are compensated fairly.
If you have a nagging suspicion that someone is to blame for your spouse or family member’s death, contact Arash Law. We have the resources you need to pursue justice for wrongful death and the experience to ensure fair compensation. We’re conveniently located throughout California, with offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, Riverside, Orange County, and San Diego, and are happy to visit you. Call (888) 488-1391 for a FREE Consultation with a wrongful death attorney in California.