The senior was hit while crossing over the Sacramento River bridge, authorities say
RED BLUFF, CA, (October 22, 2024) - An elderly man in a wheelchair was fatally struck by a motor vehicle along Antelope Boulevard in Red Bluff Tuesday night, according to authorities.
Brian Phillips was in a wheelchair when he was struck and killed by a vehicle along Antelope Boulevard in Red Bluff Tuesday night, according to authorities.
Red Bluff police said the victim—identified as Brian Phillips—was crossing over the Sacramento River bridge that connects Antelope Boulevard to downtown Red Bluff when he was hit by a car. Tragically, Brian, who lived 53 years of his life in Red Bluff, died as a result of injuries.
Brian's younger brother, Glenn Phillips, said, "He was a very friendly, happy person. He just loved life."
The driver who struck Brian was sober, police said, adding that the collision did not happen on the sidewalk.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
This tragic accident underscores the dangers that pedestrians face every day in this country.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (COTS), in 2018, around 893 pedestrians were killed on California roadways, a 26% increase from 2014.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal, noted that it’s imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim’s family in cases such as this.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline. The family of Brian Phillips may be entitled to a wrongful death claim.
“Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.”
“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth,” Bond noted. “However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help she's available for a free consultation to guide you
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).