Brentwood, CA – A pedestrian was killed early Thursday morning, October 17, 2024, in a traffic collision on Highway 4, according to KRON.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the incident occurred around 5:50 AM near Walnut Boulevard.
According to CHP officials, the pedestrian reportedly ran in front of a vehicle, leading to the fatal impact. Following the collision, lanes of the highway were closed between Vasco Road and Walnut Boulevard to facilitate the investigation and ensure the safety of all involved.
As of now, no further details about the circumstances surrounding the collision have been released. The CHP is continuing to investigate the incident, aiming to gather more information that may clarify the events leading up to the tragedy.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a specific “Duty of Care” towards pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for pedestrians near the roadway 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 pedestrian 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.
If the at-fault driver avoids 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.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as if they attempt to cross outside of a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a Duty of Care toward their safety.
It may therefore be determined that a motorist is held only partially liable in a pedestrian accident. If that is the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
