Riverbank, CA – A 66-year-old man identified as John Peterson from Escalon died Saturday afternoon, August 17, 2024, after crashing his vehicle into a home in Riverbank, according to The Modesto Bee. Authorities believe the crash was preceded by a medical emergency Peterson experienced while driving.
The incident occurred around 3:45 PM in the area of Patterson Road/Highway 108 near Jackson Avenue. According to a statement from Riverbank Police Services, first responders arrived to find Peterson unresponsive in his vehicle, which had collided with the residence. Despite approximately 25 minutes of lifesaving efforts by fire and medical personnel, Peterson was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Riverbank Police Services Major Accident Investigation Team is looking into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Preliminary findings suggest that Peterson suffered a medical emergency while driving, which led to the accident. However, it remains unclear whether the medical issue or the crash itself was the direct cause of his death.
The crash prompted authorities to close Patterson Road for several hours as investigators worked to process the scene and ensure the area was safe.
Liability in Single-Vehicle Collisions
In certain situations, investigations may uncover that some liability for a single-vehicle collision falls on other drivers nearby or even on unsafe roadway structures. Sorting through these details to help victims and their families secure proper compensation is one of the key services a personal injury attorney offers.
After establishing liability, a personal injury attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on the victim’s behalf. Insurance companies invariably aim to minimize payouts for claims they cannot deny, making legal representation crucial for obtaining fair compensation.
