Sacramento Pedestrian Wrongful Death. Recently, light was shed on a Sacramento pedestrian wrongful death when the man suspected of causing a hit-and-run accident, involving a 14-year-old boy, gave himself up to local authorities. The surrender ended a search for the driver who struck and killed De’Sean Rowe-Manns in September. It happened as the teenager walked his bicycle in the bike lane, while on his way to school, along Watt Avenue close to Whitney Avenue. It was reported that the young man was struck by a driver of an SUV and landed on the hood of the vehicle, which carried Rowe-Mans for a few blocks until the driver stopped and laid the boy on the grass. At this point, the driver fled the scene without offering assistance or phoning for emergency help. Rowe-Manns was transported to UC Davis Medical Center and died there after suffering numerous broken bones and hemorrhaging from his spine.
Sacramento Pedestrian Wrongful Death Details
According to reports, the 50-year-old suspect, named Edward John Flores, was taken into custody by officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP). He faces hit-and-run, which is a felony in this case, as well as driving on a suspended license in the collision on September 19 that caused the death of Rowe-Manns. Flores is currently incarcerated at the main jail with bail set at $130,000. Authorities say that Flores has a long-standing criminal record dating as far back as 1997. In 2014, he was charged with misdemeanor grand theft. He was given a sentence of five years probation in that incident.
California and Hit-and-Run Accidents
In 2016, California was reported as one of the highest states in the nation in fatalities caused by hit-and-run collisions with 337 deaths out of the total of 2,049. The American Automobile Association reported that almost 65 percent of those fatalities were to bicycle riders or pedestrians. Risks can be reduced if motorists observe the following tips:
- Use extra caution in areas where schools are located as well as playgrounds, intersections, and bus stops. Youngsters are harder to spot and may be preoccupied and not paying sufficient attention to their surroundings.
- Remember that pedestrians and bicycle riders are sometimes unpredictable, particularly young people. Pedestrians who dart out between cars in the middle of the block or bicycle riders who are not paying attention can end up in an accident. Even when they are walking or riding responsibly, remember that they are more difficult for a driver to see.
- Yield to both pedestrians and bicycle riders. Don’t anticipate that a rider or walker will stop when they should or be in designated areas. This is how a Sacramento pedestrian wrongful death can occur.
- Use patience when waiting for a pedestrian or bicycle rider to go across the street. Waiting a second or two to make sure the way is clear is a good idea.
Recovering Damages in a Sacramento Pedestrian Wrongful Death
California law is specific about what financial damages can be recovered in a Sacramento pedestrian wrongful death. These include:
- Expenses for a burial and funeral
- If the family member lived for a while before expiring, a survival action may be claimed. This covers the loved one’s hospital and physician bills, ambulance and other expenses as well as the pain and suffering experienced before death.
- Loss of income as well as insurance, pension, IRA contributions and additional monies a loved one would have earned.
- Personal services the decedent provided, which can include car care, tax preparation, child care, and others.
- Loss of consortium, which refers to the personal relationship between spouses and family members.
- Loss of companionship, care and protection may be claimed.
- Loss of inheritance is recoverable since the decedent will no longer contribute.
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. Losing a loved one to a death that might have been prevented is a terrible experience. If this has happened to you, I can offer you compassionate, free and friendly advice. Please call me at (916) 921-6400 locally or (800) 404-5400 if you are elsewhere in Northern California. I also have a contact form online at AutoAccident.com, the website I founded and own.
I belong to the Million Dollar Forum, which is composed of trial lawyers who have all obtained a jury verdict or case settlement in excess of $1 million for a client.
I have worked as an injury lawyer for 36 years. During that time, I have helped many Sacramento residents and other Northern Californians to obtain fair compensation in all types of car accidents, trauma such as brain injuries and trucking accidents.
You can find out more about my law practice by visiting the following sites where you will find client comments and reviews, along with earlier cases and how they were resolved:
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