Modesto, CA – According to ABC10, on Tuesday, April 17, 2024, a male pedestrian was fatally struck by a car while attempting to cross Highway 99. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated that the man ran from the east shoulder of Highway 99 near Hatch Road to the center median, where he was struck by a Volvo sedan traveling northbound on 99 around 3:30 PM.
Reports from CHP indicate that the man, who was pushing a bicycle across the road, ran directly in front of the Volvo, resulting in the collision. Emergency responders rushed the man to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Fortunately, the Volvo driver did not sustain any injuries in the crash.
Following the incident, two lanes of Highway 99 were temporarily closed as authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. While the investigation is ongoing, CHP officials have not confirmed whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash, stating that more information will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Statements of Liability
Readers should note that any statements from news outlets that suggest liability in any vehicular accident are most likely just the opinions of law enforcement based on initial investigations. Later evidence may alter the interpretation of events, and all parties are innocent until proven guilty.
Duty of Care Toward Pedestrians
Drivers are expected to provide a special “duty of care” toward pedestrians, who have greater vulnerability and are more likely to receive fatal injuries in traffic collisions. However, establishing liability can depend on multiple factors. Sorting through these complexities to determine fault is one of the services a personal injury attorney can provide.
Even after fault is established, insurance companies will attempt to minimize any claim they cannot deny. That is another place where a personal injury attorney can prove valuable by negotiating on behalf of victims to win for them the full compensation they are due.
