A warrant was issued by the district attorney’s office in Sacramento County for a suspect in a hit and run that happened over a year ago. According to a representative of the California Highway Patrol, it took time to finally amass the necessary evidence to bring charges against the 21-year-old man.
Berkley Dorfer Hit and Run Details
Berkley Austin Dorfer allegedly hit a 65-year-old woman, Donna Zurfluh, in the early morning hours of June 18, 2016, as the woman was taking her daily walk on Elverta Road. According to her husband, the coroner said she was killed instantly. However, Dorfer, driving a F-250 1993 pickup, did not stop but rather fled the scene. The woman’s body was discovered several hours later on Palladay Road in a ditch.
The Investigation
Since the accident, investigators of the CHP have been trying to find the perpetrator. According to one of the investigators, they were able to discover evidence that tied Dorfer to the woman’s death.
Husband Laments Wife’s Death
Ron Zurfluh, the husband of the deceased, said his wife had a personality that was best described as bubbly. She was well-known for dying her hair vivid colors. Her husband has honored her memory by doing the same since her death. After the arrest, Zurfluh’s husband said justice was finally achieved.
Charges
Dorfer faces felony charges of hit and run causing death and driving without having either car insurance or a license. The suspect is, as of this report, released on bail. He posted bail Thursday afternoon and is out of jail.
Hit and Run
Under California law, the grievous crime of hit and run leading to death is a felony. This can result in a prison term of up to four years and a fine between $1,000 and $10,000. In some cases, such as vehicular manslaughter, the penalties can be increased for an additional five years.
In addition, the hit and run driver may have his or her license suspended for up to six months, based on the number of points the driver amassed. In the case described above, the driver had neither a driver’s license nor insurance.
Wrongful Death Claim
When someone is killed in a hit and run accident, the family of the decedent has the option of filing a wrongful death lawsuit. In a case where the hit and run driver was apprehended and charged criminally, the evidence that supports the criminal conviction can be used in civil court to prove the defendant is liable for the person’s death.
Financial Recovery
While no amount of money can bring back a loved one, financial compensation for the damages the family faces after the person’s death can alleviate the stress of monetary problems.
The family is able to recover not just funeral and end-of-life expenses, but also loss of consortium, loss of support and even personal injury damage to the decedent. This is called a survivor’s lawsuit since the personal injury the decedent endured prior to death outlasts his or her death.
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. Auto accidents causing death take a toll on both the family’s emotional and financial well being. This is all the worse if the accident involved a hit and run. If you or your family has suffered an injury because of another’s negligence, please phone (916) 921-6400 for my friendly and free advice advice. Outside the calling area, call my toll free number (800) 404-5400.
As a California injury lawyer I have consistently helped those in Northern California, including the Sacramento area, in receiving just damages in wrongful death cases and for traumatic injuries.
It is important to check my Yelp, Avvo and Google pages that provide client reviews and comments. Check out my Verdicts and Settlements page for a synopsis of previous cases and how I resolved them for my clients.
Members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum represent trial lawyers around the country with verdicts/settlements of $1 million or more. I belong to the group as a California member.
Go to autoaccident.com, the website I own and founded. It offers vital information about many types of personal injuries.
Photo Attribution: Wikimedia Commons squad-car-1209719_1280.jpg
:cd bw [cs 731] cv