Although we all expect motorists to be attentive, rested, and sober behind the wheel, the sad reality is that many of them act in dangerous ways. This puts innocent individuals at risk, including pedestrians. These individuals, who are without the safety protections afforded by vehicles, are extremely vulnerable to suffering extensive harm in these accidents, as can be seen by one recent incident.
There, one Oakland family is left grieving the loss of a six-year-old child and his mother. Both were struck and killed in a hit-and-run incident that took place on Saturday, April 13th around 7:20 p.m. The child’s uncle was also struck by the vehicle in question. He remains in critical condition. The family was crossing the road in a marked crosswalk at 26th and Foothill Boulevard when the wreck occurred.
Oakland police have identified and are searching for a 27-year-old suspect. He was allegedly driving a black two-door Mercedes-Benz headed west on Foothill Boulevard when the incident occurred. He fled the scene and abandoned the vehicle in a different area of Oakland. There is a $25,000 reward being offered for information leading to his arrest.
Once the suspect is located, there are legal options available to the victims’ surviving family members, including the possibility of filing a wrongful death claim. The emotional trauma of such a tragic, sudden loss is more than any family should have to bear. They should not also be forced to deal with financial strain due to the recklessness or negligence of another person. A wrongful death lawsuit, if successful, can provide compensation that will allow a grieving family to cope with financial consequences of such a loss.
It is important that a family consult with expert legal counsel in these types of situations as soon as possible after the event occurs. This allows crucial evidence to be preserved before there is time for it to be destroyed. In addition, it can insure that legal action may begin the moment that a suspect is apprehended.