Lolomanaia Soakai Died In Oakland Car Accident With Officers That Failed To Use Lights and Sirens During Pursuit
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA (July 9, 2022) – A man identified as Lolomanaia Soakai has tragically died in an Oakland car accident with a driver fleeing police.
Alameda County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 2:00 a.m. on Sunday. A Nissan 350z was being pursued by police officers after participating in a sideshow. However, the officers involved in the pursuit did not have their lights and sirens on.
The driver of the Nissan crashed into a parked car which then went into a group of people including Lolomanaia Soakai. The victim was standing near a food truck with his mother, cousins and friends.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victims. Despite life-saving measures, Lolomanaia Soakai die due to the severity of his injuries.
The victim’s mother was seriously injured in the crash as were three other people. Police arrested the driver of the Nissan on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Oakland Car Accidents
California and the Bay Area in particular has one of the highest instances of illegal sideshows. According to ABC 7, San Jose police officers have issued over 500 citations for one sideshow involving over 200 cars. For those unaware, sideshows are a form of automobile exhibition where vehicles perform various tricks including doughnuts and ghostriding. There are a number of reasons why these events can be very dangerous.
- Some drivers at sideshows are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Many drivers at sideshows are speeding.
- Pedestrians and drivers at sideshows are often in close proximity.
Depending on the facts of any case, a police department could be liable for the actions of their drivers. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21055, the driver of a police vehicle engaged in a pursued must use their lights and sirens to warn the public about their presence. When a police officer fails to use lights and sirens during a pursuit, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person that died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, insurance providers will often fight hard to deny liability for any collision. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating An Oakland Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Lolomanaia Soakai. 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. It is against the law for police officers to carry out a police chase with their lights and sirens.
Do you need more information about an Oakland car accident? Our team of pedestrian 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 those rights are being protected. 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.
