Livermore, CA – According to KRON, a 24-year-old woman from Pleasant Hill lost her life after exiting a moving vehicle on Interstate Highway 580 late Saturday night, September 21, 2024.
The accident occurred around 8:20 PM when the woman, who has not yet been publicly named, reportedly jumped or rolled out of the passenger seat of a black 2018 Audi as it traveled eastbound near First Street. Eyewitnesses describe the scene as chaotic, with the woman being struck by multiple vehicles shortly after exiting the Audi.
Emergency responders arrived to find her suffering from severe injuries. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving family and friends in shock and mourning. The circumstances surrounding her decision to exit the vehicle remain unclear, leading investigators to urge anyone with information to come forward.
According to a California Highway Patrol (CHP) press release, the driver of the Audi briefly stopped on the shoulder following the incident but then drove away. It was only after arriving in nearby Tracy that the driver reported the accident to authorities. The driver has since been arrested for alleged felony hit-and-run, raising further questions about the events leading up to the fatal incident.
As the investigation continues, the CHP is focused on understanding the full circumstances of this heartbreaking incident.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a specific “Duty of Care” towards pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for pedestrians near the roadway and, if a fatal collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
If the at-fault driver avoids legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
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.
