Bicyclist Kenneth Hutt Died In Modesto Hit-And-Run Car Accident Involving Two Pickup Trucks Along Lakewood Avenue
MODESTO, CALIFORNIA (April 12, 2022) – A bicyclist identified as Kenneth Hutt has tragically died after a hit-and-run car accident with two trucks on Lakewood Avenue.
Stanislaus County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 9:15 p.m. on Sunday morning. Kenneth Earl Hutt was riding his bicycle when he was struck by two pickup trucks.
One of the pickup trucks was identified as a red Toyota pickup and the other was described as a white Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. Both vehicles fled the scene and are currently being sought by Modesto police officials.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help Kenneth Hutt. EMS began life-saving measures, but the victim did not survive.
Police are looking for witnesses or anyone that may have doorbell footage of the crash. Any person that may have information about the accident that killed Kenneth Hutt should contact Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers.
Liability In Modesto Truck Accidents
Bicyclists are unique in car accidents. They lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked by drivers. According to the IIHS, there were 843 bicycle fatalities in the year 2019 alone. In the majority of bicycle collisions, the most serious accidents are to the head. This is why wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle is so important. There are a number of steps that cities can take in order to prevent bicycle collisions.
- Protected bicycle lanes are extremely effective at preventing collisions.
- Roads with heavy bicycle traffic should be well lit.
- Traffic violations likely to lead to bicycle collisions should be thoroughly enforced.
A person riding a bicycle has all of the rights and responsibilities applicable to any person driving a vehicle. All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting bicyclists. Many bicycle collisions are due to drivers that go past stop signs without yielding. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22450, the driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign must fully stop before going through the intersection. Failure to exercise due care to avoid hitting a bicyclist could form the basis of a negligence claim.
If a driver flees the scene of a collision, they could face criminal as well as civil liability. According to California Vehicle Code 20001, the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident that causes injury or death to another person must remain at the scene. Fleeing the scene of a collision could result in jail time, fines and a felony conviction. Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a collision could extend beyond any driver.
Pickup trucks are often used as work vehicles in construction and landscaping. If the driver of a pickup truck was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. In general, companies are liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. Victims of bicycle accidents often suffer very serious and costly injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Death
If a driver is negligent and kills a bicyclist, they can be held to account through a civil claim. Damages can help cover many of the expenses that come with the sudden and tragic loss of a loved one. It is crucial that evidence is thoroughly collected after any hit-and-run collision. Even a small fragment of the fleeing vehicle can be used to identify the driver that left. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Modesto Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Kenneth Hutt. Any person that may have information about the drivers that fled the scene should reach out to police. The drivers involved in this crash should do the right thing and come forward. It’s never too late to do the right thing.
Do you need more information about a Modesto hit-and-run collision? Our team of bicycle safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that hit-and-run drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free investigation into a collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
