Stanislaus County, CA – On State Route 33 north of Crows Landing, a pedestrian, suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, was struck and killed in a collision, according to the Modesto Bee. The incident occurred around 4:30 AM north of Ike Crow Road.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a 23-year-old woman from Newman was driving northbound in a 2020 Honda Civic when a 44-year-old male pedestrian allegedly walked into her path. Despite the driver’s attempts to avoid the collision, the pedestrian was struck and fatally injured.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the pedestrian lying in the northbound lane. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on-site. The Honda driver emerged from the incident without sustaining any injuries and remained at the scene to cooperate with authorities.
In response to the collision, Route 33 was temporarily closed, but the California Highway Patrol reported minimal delay to the motoring public.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of pedestrian safety and the risks associated with impaired or distracted walking. The CHP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine any contributing factors and ensure road safety for all.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Even in cases where criminal charges are not brought to bear, families who have lost a loved one in a fatal collision may be able to file a wrongful death claim with the insurance provider of those at fault.
The compensation provided by a wrongful death claim can relieve the financial burdens created by medical expenses, burial costs, and the loss of income to support any dependents of the deceased.
Those involved in a pedestrian crash should know that 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.
