Pedestrian Fatality on State Route 4
On the night of November 16, 2023, CHP officers reported a fatality in a vehicle versus pedestrian collision that occurred on State Route 4 in Contra Costa County. The incident occurred shortly after 11:40 p.m. on SR-4 close to Newport Drive in Discovery Bay, officials said.
Details on the Pedestrian Fatality on State Route 4
A preliminary report indicated that a vehicle was traveling westbound on SR-4 when the motorist allegedly crashed into an individual on foot. The driver reportedly left the crash site following the incident, CHP officers reported. Emergency personnel responding to the scene pronounced the pedestrian, Beverly Sweeney, 87, of Discovery Bay, deceased at the scene.
Identifying information about the suspect driver and vehicle has not yet been provided by the CHP. The hit-and-run pedestrian accident is under investigation. Those with information on the suspect vehicle or driver or the events that led to the crash are encouraged to reach out to the CHP Contra Costa Area Office in Martinez.
How is Wrongful Death Proven?
If an individual suffers fatal injuries in a pedestrian accident or another type of incident that resulted from another party’s negligence or careless actions, surviving family members may have a viable wrongful death case. Eligible survivors who meet the criteria set forth in CCP 377.60 may recover economic and non-economic damages. This may include intangible harm like loss of companionship, care, and affection, and mental anguish. Financial losses recovered in these matters may include loss of the deceased’s financial contributions to the household, funeral costs, loss of work benefits, and more.
To prove that the loss of life was the direct result of the incident and the opposing party’s negligence will depend on the facts and circumstances of the matter, in addition to the availability of admissible evidence. An experienced California wrongful death attorney will examine all evidence to determine the best course of action moving forward. This may include finding and interviewing eyewitnesses, consulting expert witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction specialists who can reconstruct the incident to establish liability and damages.
In the case of a hit-and-run pedestrian fatality, the right lawyer will have the resources to effectively manage the case and work with a private investigator. While the investigator is working to find the suspect motorist and vehicle, the attorney will work to identify other sources of recovery, like the decedent’s auto insurance policy if they have uninsured motorist coverage. If the deceased pedestrian did not have car insurance at the time of the incident, but a member of their family household does, it is possible that UM coverage may extend in this situation. For more details, contact an attorney.
Importance of Hiring an Attorney for a Wrongful Death Pedestrian Accident Case
Translating the factors involved in a wrongful death case and the value of resulting losses is not a straightforward process. That is why it is suggested that surviving family members retain legal counsel, particularly in fatal pedestrian accident cases involving hit-and-run drivers. The sooner a family works with an attorney, the more likely the lawyer can track down the fleeing motorist and hold them liable for damages incurred. The goal of an attorney is to obtain a favorable case result by taking all facts and circumstances into consideration.
Wrongful death cases go beyond financial compensation. They serve to obtain accountability and justice on behalf of the decedent. These cases also serve to bring closure to surviving family members and ensure that similar tragic events do not occur in other families. Remember that you have a limited amount of time to take legal action in California. Most cases of wrongful death follow a two-year deadline. Connect with our legal team at AutoAccident.com to learn about your rights and options as a survivor under California law. We proudly offer free, friendly case advice.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in California
It takes a knowledgeable attorney to assess all aspects of a wrongful death case to seek a favorable mutual settlement agreement or resolution if the case is taken to court. This is where our legal team at AutoAccident.com can assist. At our law firm, we have decades of combined experience handling personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout California, including Contra Costa County. Contact our compassionate and experienced California wrongful death lawyers for free, friendly case advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.
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