Deadly collision happened near Yosemite and Cordova avenues, says police
MERCED, CA, (August 26, 2024) - A Merced resident was fatally struck by a driver who fled the scene. The incident happened Monday night near Yosemite and Cordova avenues, authorities said.
Justin Rigers, 39, lost his life in a hit-and-run collision that happened Monday night near Yosemite and Cordova avenues in Merced, according to authorities.
According to police, Justin Rigers was crossing East Yosemite around 9 p.m. when he was hit by an eastbound Toyota, which took off. Rigers was hit a second time by a Honda Civic, whose driver remained at the site.
Tragically, 39-year-old Rigers died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
Officials reportedly located the first vehicle, a 2024 Toyota Tundra pickup truck. No information was available about its driver.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Failure to remain on the collision site can attract criminal charges, and the victim can also pursue a case against the driver.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (COTS), in 2018, around 893 pedestrians were killed on California roadways, a 26% increase from 2014.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney and a Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
Added Bond, the national analyst for Newsline, “The driver always has to take great care behind the wheel.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Justin Rigers may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
If your loved one has been killed by a hit-and-run driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analysts Candice Bond and Stefano Formica today
(Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for Newsline. 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).