Sacramento, CA – According to CBS13 with additional reporting from The Sacramento Bee, a male bicyclist lost his life late Saturday night after being struck by a vehicle in the Robla neighborhood of North Sacramento.
The Sacramento Police Department (SPD) responded to the collision at around 11:30 PM, near the intersection of Marysville Boulevard and Main Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers found the bicyclist unresponsive. Despite efforts by fire personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been released as authorities work to notify his family.
According to SPD, the driver involved in the crash had fled before officers arrived but was located a short distance away. The driver, identified as 53-year-old Vicente Perez of West Sacramento, was detained and showed clear signs of intoxication. Perez was arrested and later booked into jail on two felony charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the events leading up to the crash, including the role that alcohol may have played in the incident. Police are urging anyone with information about the collision to come forward as they work to piece together what happened.
Bicycle Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a specific “Duty of Care” towards bicyclists, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for bicyclists with whom they share the road 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 bicycle 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 DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
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.
