Robert Danforth Died In Hit-And-Run Car Accident In Oroville By The Garden Drive Off-Ramp On Highway 70
OROVILLE, CALIFORNIA (July 11, 2022) – A man identified as Robert Danforth has tragically died in an Oroville hit-and-run car accident at the Garden Drive off-ramp for Highway 70.
Butte County officials are saying that the accident took place around 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Robert Danforth was walking when he was hit by a 2005-2007 Ford Super Duty pickup truck or Ford Excursion.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Sadly, Robert Danforth died due to the severity of his injuries.
Police are still searching for the driver who fled the scene of the collision. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Oroville Hit-And-Run Car Accidents
California has one of the highest instances of hit-and-run collisions in the United States. According to Value Penguin, “17% of fatal hit-and-run crashes across the U.S. occurred in California, the largest share of any state. There were 2,948 fatal hit-and-runs in California from 2010 to 2019, resulting in 3,056 deaths. Both numbers are higher than in any other state.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a hit-and-run collision.
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Inclement weather
- Driver distraction
All drivers have a legal duty to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, the driver of any vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians that are crossing the roadway in a lawfully marked crosswalk. If the driver of a motor vehicle goes past a yield sign without yielding, this may be considered prima facie evidence of their failure to yield.
If the driver of a pickup truck was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful acts of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, the driver of a pickup truck may have been making deliveries when a crash occurred. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any pedestrian accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
Drivers that flee the scene of car accidents can be prosecuted and held at fault through a criminal claim. Family members of the deceased can also seek justice through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a wrongful death claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating An Oroville Hit-And-Run Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Robert Danforth. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family. The driver responsible for this crash should do the right thing and turn themselves in. It is never too late to do the right thing.
Do you need more information about an Oroville hit-and-run accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of pedestrian safety advocates 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 in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
