Fatally Injured Woman Found in Redding Alley
The police in Redding, California, are looking into the death of a woman who suffered injuries that appear to be consistent with having been struck by a motor vehicle. Authorities believe she may have been struck and killed on the morning of Friday, October 29, 2021, by a city garbage truck. Initial investigation revealed she may have been lying in a Redding alley when she was struck.
Details of the Redding Alley Incident
Just before 8:00 a.m. on Friday, a Redding Police officer was flagged down by a private citizen reporting a medical emergency. The location of the emergency was an alleyway in the vicinity of Market and Trinity Streets.
Officers responded to the scene behind the Wienerschnitzel restaurant, and they found a woman who had suffered severe injuries. The officers requested medical aid. Sadly, the woman was then pronounced dead at the scene.
Results of the Preliminary Investigation
Investigation done by the Redding PD traffic unit revealed that the woman appeared to have been covered with darkly colored blankets and clothing while she was lying in the alley. A truck picking up solid waste for the city of Redding pulled up to a garbage bin in the alleyway, after which it reversed and then made a right turn to continue north in the alley. It appears that the truck driver had not been able to see the female lying in the path of the truck’s travel.
Identity of the Deceased
Results of an autopsy and toxicology labs are pending, which will determine the woman’s cause of death. Her name has not been released as of yet, as her family still needs to be notified.
Injury Claims Against the City
In California, a person injured due to a government employee’s negligence can sue for damages. This is an exception to governmental immunity laws. There is a shorter statute of limitations – the time an action must commence. Rather than having two years to file a lawsuit, the injured party must make formal notice of the claim within six months.
Proving Governmental Negligence
There must be a finding of negligence to prevail on a personal injury or wrongful death claim. There are only preliminary details about this fatal accident, so it is unclear whether the deceased’s family will be able to establish that the garbage truck driver was negligent.
A consultation with an experienced wrongful death attorney may help the grieving family determine their next steps.
Pedestrian Accidents on the Rise
It is no secret that California has an increasing problem with homelessness. From the facts, it sounds like the deceased woman was sleeping on the streets. This type of lifestyle puts one at greater risk of injuries and death from car accidents. Pedestrians and those who sleep outdoors have no protection from impact and, therefore, are vulnerable to severe, often fatal, injuries if a vehicle strikes.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below explains the legal concept of wrongful death.
Redding Personal Injury Lawyer
Hello. Thank you for reading our report on this tragic Redding alley accident. I’m Ed Smith, a Redding personal injury lawyer. For close to four decades, the skilled injury attorneys at our law firm have been advocates for injured residents of Redding and surrounding Northern California cities. For compassionate, free, and friendly advice following a car accident, please do not hesitate to call us at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400.
Photo: by Hans Vivek via Unsplash
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