Live Oak, CA — According to KRON, a hit-and-run claimed the lives of a man and his dog in the early hours of Wednesday morning, November 13, 2024, in the unincorporated community of Live Oak in Santa Cruz County.
The incident occurred around 2:46 AM in the area of Seventh Avenue and Eddy Lane.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the victim, a man estimated to be around 30 years old, was walking his dog along Seventh Avenue when both were struck by a vehicle heading south.
Following the collision, the driver fled the scene, leaving the man and his dog fatally injured. Both were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
CHP is encouraging anyone with information or who may have witnessed the collision to come forward, as they continue efforts to locate the individual responsible.
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.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
