Rocklin, CA — A fatal collision on westbound Interstate 80 in Rocklin early Tuesday morning, August 13, 2024, led to the death of a pedestrian, according to ABC10. The accident occurred around 4:30 AM near the connector for Highway 65, close to the border between Rocklin and Roseville.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the incident involved a pedestrian attempting to cross the freeway when they were struck by multiple vehicles. The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries, and their identity has not yet been released.
In response to the accident, CHP officers quickly issued a SigAlert, leading to the closure of all westbound lanes for several hours. This caused substantial traffic congestion, with backups extending as far back as Sierra College Boulevard. Commuters found themselves at a standstill as emergency responders worked to clear the scene and conduct a thorough investigation. By 6:35 AM, the lanes were reopened, and traffic began to flow again, although residual delays persisted well into the morning.
The CHP is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, and it remains unclear why the pedestrian was on the freeway.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Motorists bear an added responsibility, known as the “Duty of Care,” towards pedestrians due to their heightened vulnerability in car accidents, often leading to pedestrian fatalities.
For those who have lost someone in a vehicular fatality, a Wrongful Death claim, made with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, can provide compensation to alleviate the financial strain of laying their loved one to rest.
If the at-fault driver evades legal consequences, compensation might still be accessible through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Seeking advice from a personal injury attorney can help ascertain the most suitable options in such circumstances.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as if they attempt to cross outside of a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a Duty of Care toward their safety.
It may therefore be determined that a motorist is held only partially liable in a pedestrian accident. If that is the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
