San Luis Obispo County, CA — On the afternoon of Tuesday, September 26, 2024, 37-year-old Levi Lopez of Nipomo lost his life when his Harley-Davidson collided with a pickup truck, just south of Joshua Street in southern San Luis Obispo County, according to The San Luis Obispo Tribune.
The accident occurred around 4:15 PM on Hutton Road. Genaro Cortezbeltran, a 36-year-old from Bakersfield, was driving his 1996 Nissan pickup southbound on Hutton Road when he attempted a U-turn across the northbound lane. This sudden maneuver placed the truck directly in the path of Lopez, who was riding northbound.
Initial investigations indicate that Lopez attempted to avoid the Nissan by braking and steering to the right, but the two vehicles collided regardless. The impact caused the Nissan to roll over, blocking the southbound lane. Lopez sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cortezbeltran, along with a passenger in his vehicle, fled the scene immediately after the accident. However, they were swiftly apprehended by an off-duty California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer who had witnessed the crash. The CHP confirmed that drugs or alcohol were not suspected as contributing factors.
Wrongful Death Claims
Even if a fatal accident doesn’t lead to criminal charges, families who lose a loved one can still file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This compensation can help cover medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income that the family depended on.
However, insurance companies will always try to pay as little as possible, making it difficult for families to receive the full amount they deserve. So, having an experienced personal injury attorney is essential to receive fair compensation and justice for your loved one.
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.
