Stockton Fatal Hit-and-Run
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton bicycle accident lawyer. A man riding a bicycle was struck and killed in a hit-and-run accident in Stockton on Thursday, December 10, 2016. Two more people were also fatally injured in the crash near Stockton’s Highway 99, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
What Happened?
The crash took place at 7:40 p.m. Thursday along the Highway 99 frontage road in the vicinity of Moreland Street in Stockton. CHP officers said someone discovered an unresponsive bicyclist down in the roadway. Sadly, the bicyclist, John Eric Stevens, 27, was pronounced dead a short time later. Also deceased were two passengers in the vehicle that hit Stevens. The vehicle was later determined to be stolen. The driver of the vehicle was no where to be found. Officers determined this was a fatal hit and run accident.
Who Was Responsible for the Stockton Fatal Hit-and-Run?
Officers said that Matthew Barnec was arrested as the alleged hit-and-run driver of the vehicle that killed his two passengers and Stevens, the bicyclist.
Officers were able to make the arrest within 24 hours after the crash. They first located the suspect vehicle, a 1997 Honda which had major front-end damage. The vehicle was located along the Highway 99 frontage road, a little south of Hammer Lane.
The driver of the car, Matthew Barnec, 23, had fled the scene, and that is when CHP officers found a woman and a man (passengers) dead inside the vehicle. The passengers who died, Michelle Vargas, 23, and Raymond Schenone, 23, were both from Stockton.
Details of Stockton Fatal Hit-and-Run
Authorities determined that the stolen Honda was proceeding south along the Frontage Road when it struck the bicyclist.
The Honda was reported stolen from the Stockton area.
Officers placed Barnec under arrest on Friday. He was taken to the San Joaquin County Jail. He has been charged with felony hit-and-run. More charges are expected to be filed pending further investigation.
Bicyclist Who Lost His Life was Father of Two
Stevens was the father of two children. His mom, Debbie Stevens, and his longtime girlfriend, Ami Livingston, discovered his Bluetooth speaker at the scene of the crash. They were devastated to learn their loved one was hit and left for dead. They contacted the CHP immediately. Despite their sorrow, they told the media that the CHP and the community were wonderful by coming together quickly to help apprehend Barnec. Stevens’ loved ones created a Christmas-themed tribute to him at the scene of the Stockton fatal hit-and-run. They indicated that Christmas was Stevens’ favorite holiday. Livingston told reporters that Stevens’ boys will be sad not to have their father.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of John Stevens who passed away in this tragic incident.
Related Articles by Ed Smith:
- What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
- Bicycle Rides that Turn Deadly – Hit and Run
- What if the at-fault party didn’t have insurance?
Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents
As this tragedy illustrates, hit and run bicycle accidents in the Stockton area are unfortunately not uncommon. When these types of incidents result in a traumatic injury or someone losing their life, the crime becomes punishable as a criminal offense (a felony). In addition to the criminal liability, incidents resulting in personal injury or death result in a civil liability also. As a Stockton personal injury lawyer with three decades of experience, I help injured victims recover the damages such as present and future medical costs, lost wages, loss of earning capacity and future earnings, compensation due to emotional distress and pain and suffering. If a client has lost their loved one, damages may be obtained for loss of companionship, loss of consortium as well as funeral and the burial costs. This is accomplished by way of a wrongful death lawsuit.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
You may be asking yourself how a claim for damages can be made against a hit-and-run motorist. This is where an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you. An expert accident lawyer knows that if the injured (or deceased) bicyclist has uninsured motorist coverage on their car insurance policy, then a claim can more than likely be made against their own policy. Even if the injured or deceased cyclist does not own a car, insurance still may be available for losses. If the injured or deceased bicyclist resides with a relative who has uninsured motorist coverage on a vehicle, then the claim may be able to be made by way of that that policy. Contact an experienced attorney for more information.
Stockton Fatal Hit-and-Run & Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton bicycle accident lawyer. If you or a loved one has been injured or has passed away due to someone else’s negligence, please call me right away at (209) 227-1931 for free, friendly advice. I may also be reached free of toll by calling (800) 404-5400. It is free to call and talk to me and there is no obligation to you. Let’s go over the details of your loss and see how to move forward to obtain compensation for your injuries or the wrongful death of your loved one.
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Source of Stockton Fatal Hit-and-Run – KCRA 3
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