Hit-and-Run Accident Kills Pittsburg Man
The California Highway Patrol is searching for a driver allegedly involved in a hit-and-run accident that killed a 19-year-old Pittsburg man on January 1, 2023. The incident occurred along the shoulder of State Route 4 in the vicinity of the Port Chicago Highway in Concord, officials said.
Details on the Hit-and-Run That Killed a Pittsburg Man
The decedent’s family reported their loved one missing to the Concord Police Department on January 1, 2023. Officials conducted a search effort and located the deceased’s vehicle abandoned close to the overpass on Port Chicago Highway. Officials located the decedent approximately six days later and determined that he suffered fatal injuries from a hit-and-run crash.
Investigators said that based on evidence collected at the scene, it is believed that the decedent was hit by a car. CHP traffic officers believe the suspect vehicle is a dark-colored sedan with damage to the right front side. The suspect party remains at large and has not yet been identified, according to officials.
On January 16, 2023, the California Highway Patrol Golden Gate Division posted a public announcement requesting assistance for the identification of the suspect party. Those with info on the hit-and-run on Highway 4 in Concord are encouraged to call the CHP tip line at (707) 917-4491. A GoFundMe page has also been set up for the Lazenby family to assist during their time of hardship and grief.
What Surviving Family Members Should Know About Fatal Hit-and-Run Cases
In California, wrongful death occurs when an individual suffers fatal injuries because of someone else’s negligent or careless actions. Traffic accidents are common examples of wrongful death in California. Eligible surviving family members may file a claim for wrongful death against the negligent party or entity. Wrongful death cases for motor vehicle collision fatalities are generally brought against the insurance company that represents the negligent driver.
When bringing a wrongful death claim for the loss of a loved one in a hit-and-run accident, four elements must be established. That being, the other side owed a duty of care to the close relative who passed away, the defendant breached this duty of care, their actions were the proximate cause of fatality, and the family has suffered damages. If the driver responsible for the incident cannot be located, even though efforts from law enforcement or a private investigator a wrongful death lawyer has hired, an attorney may look into if a family’s uninsured motorist coverage may come into play.
The statute of limitations dictates how long a claimant has to file a lawsuit. For wrongful death, the deadline is two years per CCP 335.1. However, few exceptions exist for the two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death in California. For instance, if the loss of life was the result of an accident involving a public agency, the statute is decreased to six months or 180 days. This means a notice of claim must be filed no later than the applicable statute of limitations or the case may be dismissed by the court. To protect your rights, it is best to work with an experienced California wrongful death lawyer. Learn how our legal team can help your family by watching this video which details our services.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Pittsburg
I’m Ed Smith, a Pittsburg personal injury lawyer. The loss of a family member is devastating for anyone to experience, especially if it was caused by someone else’s carelessness or negligence. In such situations, close relatives may be entitled to financial compensation. Though no amount of money may ever replace the life that was lost, it may be a way for survivors to obtain justice and a sense of closure.
Get the compassionate, free, and friendly advice you need during this difficult time from our legal team at AutoAccident.com. Give us a call at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400. Our accident lawyers have obtained maximum compensation on behalf of families in Pittsburg and across Contra Costa County since 1982.
Our legal team is not only experienced, but they are also caring and dedicated to obtaining the results our clients deserve. See our history of verdicts and settlements here. Before consulting with our injury attorneys, check out our former client reviews and ratings on Avvo, Google, and Yelp. We are also proud to be included in the Top 1 Percent, Million Dollar Forum, and other legal organizations.
Photograph Source: “IvanCuesta” Pexels
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