Merced, CA – According to KSEE, on the night of Friday, March 8, 2024, a pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle in the 1200 block of V Street in Merced.
The Merced Police Department reports that the crash occurred around 7:30 PM. The victim, who has not yet been named, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators are looking for the driver of an early 2000s model Chevy SUV in either a light-color or white, based on reports.
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.
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.
Should the driver escape justice, compensation may be available from a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine what the best options are.
