The pickup driver involved in Tuesday's deadly crash faces multiple charges, authorities say
NIPOMO, CA, (September 24, 2024) - A motorcyclist tragically lost his life, and a pickup driver is in jail following a traffic collision in Nipomo Tuesday afternoon, police said. The victim has since been identified as 37-year-old Nipomo resident Levi Lopez.
Levi Lopez, 37, was killed after the motorcycle he was operating collided with another vehicle on Hutton Road in Nipomo Tuesday afternoon, according to authorities.
A preliminary investigation found that a green pickup truck was traveling southbound on Hutton Road at about 4 p.m. when the driver attempted to make a U-turn directly in front of Lopez's Harley Davidson Road King, resulting in a collision. The impact knocked Lopez off his bike, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The pickup driver and his passenger fled the scene; however, both were arrested shortly after the crash.
The driver faces a host of charges, including hit-and-run resulting in death.
An investigation is underway.
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.
“Motorcycle riders are arguably the most vulnerable motorists on the roadways, given the fact that there are no airbags or sturdy windows to protect them from an impact,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
In 2017, 5,172 motorcyclists died in motorcycle crashes, down 3% from 5,337 in 2016, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision,” said Bond, an experienced accident attorney.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Levi Lopez 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).