Bicyclist Johnathon Saelee Died In Sacramento Hit-And-Run Car Accident With Pickup Truck By Elk Grove Florin Road near Bridalsmith Drive
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA (April 23, 2022) – A bicyclist identified as Johnathon Saelee died in a Sacramento hit-and-run collision with a work truck by Elk Grove Florin Road near Bridalsmith Drive.
Sacramento County officials are saying that the accident took place around 11:00 p.m. on Thursday night. Johnathon Saelee was struck by a white work truck and then that driver fled the scene of the collision.
The vehicle was described as a 2008 to 2016 Ford pickup truck. The truck should have damage to the passenger side mirror.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the bicyclist. They were taken to the hospital with major injuries. Sadly, Johnathon Saelee eventually died due to his injuries at the hospital.
A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Sacramento Hit-And-Run Collisions
California has one of the highest instances of hit-and-run collisions in the United States. According to CBS Sacramento, there were over 2,000 deaths attributed to hit-and-run fatalities in 2016. Around 337 of those fatalities occured in California. Around 1/3 of all these collisions involve a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are a number of steps that drivers should take in order to avoid collisions with pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Drivers should be aware that pedestrians can act unpredictably.
- Drivers should be patient when trying to pass a pedestrian or cyclist.
- Drivers should be vigilant and always yield to pedestrians.
All drivers must exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. This includes driving their vehicle at a safe speed. According to California Vehicle Code 22350, no person shall operate a vehicle at a speed greater than what would be safe and prudent given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. Drivers should also check their blind spots before making turns.
Any driver that flees the scene of a collision may face criminal liability in addition to civil liability under California Vehicle Code 20001. Drivers are supposed to remain at the scene of any collision that causes bodily injury or death. If a driver flees the scene of a collision that causes injury, they could face a felony conviction, jail time, fines and a license revocation. Liability for a bicycle accident could extent beyond any driver.
If the driver of a pickup truck was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could face liability. In general, employers are liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any hit-and-run collision.
- Fragments of the fleeing vehicle should be sought.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
Any person that is injured in a hit-and-run bicycle accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Many victims will not realize the full extent of their injuries for several weeks or months after an accident. A bicycle accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Sacramento Hit-And-Run Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Johnathon Saelee. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. The driver responsible for this crash should do the right thing and turn themselves in. It’s never too late to do the right thing.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Sacramento hit-and-run collision? You may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
