Sonoma County, CA — On the morning of Monday, September 28, a bicyclist was found dead after an apparent hit-and-run collision, leading to the arrest of 29-year-old suspect Daniel Kain, of Santa Rosa, according to KRON, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol stated that they first received a report of a damaged bicycle in the middle of Guerneville Rd on the night of September 27, in an area of rural residences, vineyards, and apple orchards in wine country.
Around 7:45 AM the next day, a woman’s body was found in a ditch on Guerneville Rd between one and two miles away, near Frei Rd, which investigators believed connected to the bicycle found earlier.
Further investigations determined that the woman seemed to have been riding the bicycle or walking alongside it on Guerneville Road when she was fatally struck by a white Ford Ranger that had been traveling eastbound. Afterward, the victim’s body appeared to have been moved to the ditch where investigators found her the next day “in an unnatural position.” Investigators were not able to determine whether her relocation was due to her having been placed there purposefully after the impact or because she had “become entangled” with the vehicle that struck her.
After receiving a tip from another resident of Santa Rosa, authorities found the Ford Ranger parked on Pawnee Street with damage matching what would have been expected from the collision. It was allegedly connected to Kain, who authorities discovered at a convenience store on Steel Lane and took into custody. Kain was booked into the Sonoma County jail on charges of felony hit-and-run resulting in deah and felony driving under the influence.
The CHP is continuing to investigat this fatal hit-and-run and requests that any who may have additional information to contact them at the CHP Santa Rosa Area office.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
Sonoma County Fatal Hit-and-Runs and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires drivers to remain with anyone injured in a collision, assist them in finding medical care, and cooperate with authorities. Failure to do so is considered a felony, and, if convicted, Kain may be determined to have committed “negligence per se.” That means that, in legal terms, someone who violates traffic safety laws is automatically considered to be liable for any injuries that result.
Regardless of the outcome of any criminal proceedings, however, the deceased bicyclist’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim with the at-fault party’s insurance provider. While no amount of money can bring a lost loved one back, a wrongful death claim can help hold accountable those responsible by providing compensation for damages such as funeral expenses and the loss of companionship and support the deceased provided.
Sonoma County Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been affected by an accident like the fatal hit-and-run collision on Guerneville Road in Sonoma County, consider reaching out to a California wrongful death lawyer with any questions and to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation.
