Madera County, CA – On the morning of Tuesday, February 13, 2024, a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run occurred on Highway 41 north of Road 208, according to KSEE.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) received notification of the victim lying on the shoulder of northbound Highway 41 around 9:27 AM. They found him deceased on the side of the road with wounds indicating he had been walking along the side of the road when a vehicle struck him and fled the scene.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Motorists are required to exercise an additional “duty of care” towards pedestrians due to their heightened vulnerability in car accidents, which more often result in pedestrian fatalities. Among these responsibilities is a duty to remain with the pedestrian after they are struck and assist with seeking medical services.
In cases where a driver is found responsible for a pedestrian fatality, the victim’s family may have grounds to initiate a wrongful death claim through the driver’s insurance provider. Compensation from a wrongful death claim can help cover medical costs, burial expenses, and the financial support lost by dependents of the deceased.
If the motorist flees the scene, families should not give up hope. They may still have options to receive compensation, such as making a claim through their own uninsured driver coverage.
Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts for claims they cannot outright deny. That is why the services of a proficient personal injury attorney can prove crucial for grieving families through the complexities of seeking justice for their loved ones.
