Fatal Riverside Hit-and-Run Car Accident
Sharon Brooks, 41, was killed in a Riverside car accident, after the driver of another car cut her off and caused a head-on collision. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the fatal car accident occurred the morning of December 16, 2009 when Brooks was headed west on Gilman Springs Road toward Highway 60, near Moreno Valley. The driver of a tan sedan with a pinstripe on the back was headed the same direction as Brooks and tried to pass her Honda Civic on the two-lane Road.
California Highway Patrol officials said the driver of the sedan, at this time saw a Nissan Altima in the oncoming lane and moved back, forcing the Civic into the dirt shoulder. Brooks lost control of the Civic and crashed head-on with the Nissan. She was ejected from the Honda and killed. Willie Henderson Jr., 31, the driver of the Nissan, sustained minor injuries. The car that caused the accident left the scene. Officials are looking for the hit-and-run driver and vehicle. If you have any information about this incident or the suspect, please call CHP officials at 951-769-2000.
Tragic Hit-and-Run Car Accident
I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Sharon Brooks. My heart goes out to her family and friends for their sudden, tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your prayers. I also wish Henderson, the driver of the Nissan, the very best for a quick and complete recovery from his injuries. It is indeed fortunate that he wasn't seriously injured.
I trust officials will soon apprehend this hit-and-run driver and prosecute this person to the fullest extent of the law. I'm sure this person knew the trail of devastation he or she left behind. It seems to me that this person deliberately left the scene, not willing to face the consequences.
Hit-and-run or leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime in California. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."
Claim for Compensation
Brooks' family would be well-advised to consult an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the criminal investigation, make sure the family's rights are protected and that they are fairly compensated for the damages and loss they have suffered. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation to cover funeral or medical expenses, loss of earnings, loss of companionship and other related damages. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise the family about how their own car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run accident or an incident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.
