Car Crash Kills Skateboarding Teen
There was a tragic event that took place in the early morning hours of Saturday, October 30, 2021, in Grass Valley, California. According to reports from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), there was a hit-and-run crash that resulted in the death of a skateboarding teen. The driver who fled the scene, a Grass Valley woman, later turned herself into the police.
Details of the Tragic Incident
At approximately 4:30 a.m. on Saturday on Alta Street in the vicinity of Dolores Drive, officers from the Grass Valley Area office of the CHP responded to reports of a crash. A 15-year-old girl had been skateboarding in that area with a friend when she was hit by a vehicle. The driver then fled the scene.
The friend of the fatally injured skateboarder did not suffer any injuries and witnessed the details of the crash.
Hit-and-Run Driver Turned Herself In
Later on Saturday, the driver, an 18-year-old female, turned herself in at the Nevada County Jail. According to officials with the CHP, she faces charges related to the fatal hit-and-run.
The CHP is Continuing Their Investigation
Authorities are continuing to investigate what led to the tragic incident. Anyone with any additional information is asked to call (916) 861-1300. Witnesses may also send information via email to [email protected].
Car Accidents Involving Skateboarders
Vehicle motorists have a duty of care to watch out for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and skateboarders, all of whom must share the roads. Skateboarders have very little physical protection in the event of a collision with a vehicle, which leaves them vulnerable to severe or even fatal injuries.
Skateboarding Car Accidents – Common Injuries
Some of the common injury types seen in vehicle versus skateboard accidents are listed below.
- Concussion and traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Severe injuries to neck and back, including spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Severe abrasions, aka road rash
An injured skateboarder may be entitled to financial compensation from the motorist if the driver was negligent. It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure your legal rights are protected and to maximize the value of your potential claim.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below discusses how skateboarding is a valid method of transportation, but one that comes with added dangers.
What To Do After an Accident
If you are riding a skateboard and are struck by a vehicle, the first step is to call the police. This is crucial, and especially important if you have suffered significant injuries. It is always safer to ride with a partner, and in this tragic Grass Valley incident, the fatally injured skateboarding teen had a friend who was able to provide important details of the incident, which led to the apprehension of the hit-and-run driver. It also ensured that the injured person received medical attention as quickly as possible, although in this case, it sadly did not save the young girl’s life.
If you are able, or if you have a friend or advocate with you, it is a good idea to take pictures of the scene, including the involved vehicle. If the driver does the right thing and stays at the scene, have someone collect their contact information as well as the details of their automobile insurance policy.
Grass Valley Personal Injury Lawyer
Thanks for reading our report on this tragedy in Grass Valley. My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Grass Valley personal injury lawyer. For close to four decades, our firm has compassionately handled personal injury and wrongful death matters for Northern Californians. If you or a family member has suffered as a result of a car accident caused by driver negligence, please call us for free and friendly advice at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400.
Photo: by Paolo Nicolello via Unsplash
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