California Injury Blog
A 50-year-old man was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Rialto. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, police found a man lying unresponsive in the area of Riverside Avenue, south of Merrill Avenue, the night of Oct. 12. Paramedics declared the man dead at the scene. Since the incident, investigators say they’ve analyzed debris at the scene, witness statements and a photograph, leading officials to suspect that a vehicle had struck the man as he crossed the street.
Fatal Pedestrian Collision
Officials say, based on preliminary investigations, the man had crossed west from the east sidewalk of Riverside Avenue toward the center median. As he continued walking from the median toward the other end of the road, a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck hit the man as it traveled south on Riverside Avenue. Investigators said they believe the driver stopped alongside the victim before continuing to drive along Riverside and then west on Randall Avenue.
Officials are still searching for the suspect vehicle, which they describe as a silver or gray 2001 to 2004 Toyota Tacoma, four-door pickup truck with a camper shell, possible damage on the driver’s side headlight, grill and hood, and missing its driver’s side parking light. Police did not immediately release a description of the driver.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of this deceased hit-and-run victim. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the pickup truck struck the pedestrian and left the scene of the crash without waiting for the authorities, or without providing assistance to the victim. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), it is illegal to leave the scene of an injury or fatal crash, even if the driver believes that the accident was not his or her fault. Motorists are required to stop immediately, remain at the scene, exchange information with the other parties and most importantly, render aid to the injured victim.
In such cases, families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino car accident lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable lawyer will also be able to advise families about how their own auto insurance policy might help compensate for something of the losses in cases where the at-fault driver is not found or in cases where the driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: https://www.pe.com/2020/10/14/50-year-old-man-killed-in-hit-and-run-in-rialto/