Santa Maria pedestrians travel as best they can along the rush of traffic on local streets. Their safety depends on the attention of local motorists. When drivers get lost in thought when driving at night or start looking at a cell phone screen, they put those on foot at extreme risk.
Drivers are required to show all pedestrians a special “duty of care” as they travel. They must constantly monitor the streets and sidewalks for pedestrians and slow down whenever someone on foot moves toward the lanes. When drivers don’t show this care and cause an accident, they can be held fully liable for the consequences of hitting a defenseless pedestrian. Drivers can bear fault no matter if the victim was in a crosswalk or not.
Pedestrian Struck and Killed in Santa Maria Hit-And-Run Accident
A deadly pedestrian hit-and-run investigation is underway after a victim was found in southern Santa Maria on Monday night. NBC6-TV reports the tragic accident happened along Betteravia Road near Oakley Avenue, not far from the Santa Maria Police Department on April 17, 2023.
Santa Maria Police got word of the accident at around 8:30 p.m. Investigators found a body at the scene and immediately closed the street for several hours.
The driver responsible did not remain at the scene. As of Tuesday morning, officers still had not made an arrest or found the vehicle involved. They have not released a description of the vehicle they are looking for.
Finding Support for Families After a Santa Maria Pedestrian Accident
A fatal pedestrian accident becomes all the more heartbreaking when the driver responsible doesn’t bother to stop and take responsibility. Grieving families are left to wonder how justice can be served while a hit-and-run suspect remains free.
Those families can face financial turmoil in a few short days. They will see bills arrive for a funeral and burial and for emergency response. Close relatives also face the loss of income the victim may have provided family members through a weekly paycheck.
If a hit-and-run suspect is arrested, a civil wrongful death claim can immediately be filed against the driver. This claim would seek to protect the family financially in the present and in the years down the road.
If a suspect escapes capture, a family may be able to file a claim against the victim’s own car insurance policy. This would call upon the portion of the policy covering uninsured and underinsured motorists. If the victim didn’t have a policy, it’s possible the victim would be covered by another family member’s policy.
Contact a Santa Maria Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you have had a loved one taken from you by a careless driver, don’t trust insurance companies to treat you and your family fairly. No matter what insurance policy is called upon, a Santa Maria Pedestrian Accident Lawyer is a valuable safeguard to make sure everyone in your family has what they need to rebuild their lives and protect themselves in the future.
Martin Gasparian offers a free case evaluation for all victims. It’s a no-risk way to find out about every benefit available to your family. Contact Mr. Gasparian to schedule a free and confidential consultation today. If you feel we can help your family earn more in support, you won’t need any upfront money. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you, and our fee comes directly out of the settlement you receive.
