Modesto, CA — A 59-year-old Modesto man died Tuesday evening, December 10, 2024, after being struck by a car while lying in the roadway, according to ABC10.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers reported that the crash occurred around 6:45 PM on South 9th Street, south of River Road.
The driver of a 2012 Fiat sedan was heading southbound when the vehicle struck the man in the left lane. Emergency responders found the victim lying on the road, but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Authorities have not disclosed why the man was in the roadway before the collision.
The Fiat driver, a woman whose identity has not been released, was uninjured in the crash. CHP confirmed that she stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Officials stated there was no evidence of impairment.
The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the circumstances leading up to the crash.
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. Should that be the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
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.
