North Highlands, CA – On the night of Monday, May 5, 2025, 34-year-old pedestrian Richard Ruben Betterley lost his life after being struck by a vehicle, according to The Sacramento Bee.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the accident took place around 9:45 PM on Madison Avenue between Roseville Road and Jackson Street.
Betterley was struck by a vehicle under circumstances that remain under investigation. Emergency personnel from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District responded to the scene and pronounced him dead shortly after arrival.
According to the CHP’s North Sacramento office, the driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. No arrest was made at the time of the incident, and officials have not yet released details on contributing factors or the sequence of events leading to the crash.
The roadway where the collision occurred is a multi-lane corridor with moderate night traffic, bordered by residential and commercial properties. The investigation into the fatal incident remains ongoing.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for bicyclists with whom they share the road and, if a fatal collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a bicycle accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
Should the at-fault driver avoid legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
