Thursday, December 20, 2012

Two Pedestrians Injured in Oakland Accident

On December 17, 2012, at approximately 6:40 p.m. a frightening pedestrian accident occurred in Oakland, California.  According to published reports, a husband and wife were crossing Grand Avenue at Bellevue Avenue near the north side of Lake Merritt when they were struck by a car going westbound on Grand Avenue. 

The victims were immediately transported to a local hospital by emergency personnel.  Both victims reportedly suffered major injuries.  The 27-year-old husband’s injuries have been described as serious and his wife’s injuries are reportedly life threatening.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with the victims in hopes they make a complete recovery from their injuries. 

The couple were reportedly in a marked crosswalk when they were struck by the car.  The driver of the car has denied seeing the couple before striking them.  Oakland Police officials are still investigating the cause of this terrible accident.  Driver confusion, driver inattention, excessive speed and aggressive driving are some possible factors that may have contributed to this preventable accident.

Pedestrians do not have the physical protections that a vehicle affords other motorists.  Accordingly, pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to the negligence of motorists.  An instant of drive negligence can result in fatal or severe pedestrian injuries.  These injuries can be life altering for the victims and their families. 

The experienced legal team at Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP specialize in fighting on behalf of pedestrian accident victims and their families.  We support victims of traumatic pedestrian accidents by standing up to big insurance companies.  We never hesitate to go to court to fight for our clients to ensure that they get the compensation they deserve.  All pedestrian accident victims need an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in their corner. 

If you or a loved one have experienced a pedestrian accident call Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP today for a free consultation.  One of our dedicated pedestrian accident lawyers will help explain your rights and provide you with a free case evaluation. 

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Chico State University Student Critically Injured in Pedestrian Accident

A tragic pedestrian accident shocked the Chico State University community on Saturday December 8, 2012. Chico Police Department Officials have indicated that 21-year-old student Brandon Fisher was struck by a Chevy pickup truck at the intersection of Walnut Street and West First Street. The victim was transported to Enloe Medical Center where he is reportedly fighting for his life.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with Brandon in hopes that he makes a complete recovery.

The driver of the pickup truck was arrested shortly following the accident. According to unconfirmed reports, 20-year-old Butte College student Mathew Lambert was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

Police are still investigating the exact cause of this tragic pedestrian accident. Some common causes of pedestrian accidents include: aggressive driving, driver intoxication, driver inattentiveness and driver confusion.

The majority of pedestrian accidents occur at intersections.  Sometimes dangerous intersections contribute to an environment in which the safety of pedestrians is put at risk. An intersection can be unsafe for a variety of reasons including: inadequate lighting, poor design, improper fazing of traffic lights, and insufficient signage.  A government or public entity may share some liability if an unsafe intersection contributes to a pedestrian accident.

The experienced attorneys at Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP are committed to fighting on behalf of pedestrians and their families. A fatal or severe pedestrian accident is a tragic experience that nobody should be forced to endure. Victims of pedestrian accidents need financial compensation to help rebuild their lives. Our dedicated trial lawyers fight tirelessly for our clients to get them the compensation they deserve.


If you or loved one have experienced a pedestrian accident call Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP for a free consultation.

Fatal Bicycle Accident Claims the Life of Fresno Man

A tragic bicycle accident claimedthe life of a cyclist on December 9, 2012, in Fresno, California. California Highway Patrol Officers are investigating the shocking accident which occurred as the cyclist was traveling southbound on Golden State near Jefferson. According to published reports, the cyclist was struck by a Freightliner truck and thrown from his bicycle.

The driver of the Freightliner truck fled the scene and left the victim on the shoulder of the road. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 57-year-old Jesus Luera of Fresno.  At
Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family in their time of grief.

Detectives eventually located the
driver of the truck and arrested 36-year-old Gurpeet Singh Bisla on suspicion of causing the accident and fleeing the scene. 


Police are still investigation the exact cause of this tragic bicycle accident.  Some common causes of bicycle accidents include: slamming on the brakes, inattentive motorists, unsafe lane changes, failing to look when traveling through intersections and aggressive motorists. The driver of the truck, his employer, and their insurance company may all potentially share the liability for this tragic bicycle accident.

The loss of a loved one in a
fatal bicycle accident can never truly be compensated financially. Nevertheless, victims of bicycle accidents and their families deserve an experienced bicycle accident lawyer to fight on their behalf.  The dedicated legal team of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP is committed to making negligent drivers and their insurance companies pay for the heartache and pain that follows a fatal or severe bicycle accident. This can include compensation for medical expenses, final expenses, lost income, companionship, pain and suffering. We fight for bicycle accident victims and their families to get them the financial security they deserve to rebuild their lives.

If you or a loved one have experienced a
fatal or severe bicycle accident call Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP for a free consultation.  One of our experienced bicycle accidentattorneys will help explain your rights and provide a free case evaluation.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Tragic Bicycle Accident Claims the Life of Redwood City Teenager

Redwood City residents are mourning the loss of Woodside High School student Leyla Beban. Leyla was involved in a tragic bicycle accident while on her way to school at approximately 8:30 a.m. on November 26, 2012.

Redwood City Police Department officials have indicated that Leyla was struck by a pickup truck as she was turning onto southbound Alameda de las Pulgas from Jefferson Avenue. Immediately following the accident, Leyla was transported to Stanford Hospital where she was pronounced dead. At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with the Beban family in their time of immeasurable grief.

Teachers, classmates, and friends remembered 14-year-old Leyla as an ambitious, open-minded, kind person. A tree on the Woodside High School campus where Leyla and her friends would often meet was decorated with paper flowers and messages. Mourners also left flowers and stuffed animals at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Alameda de las Pulgas.

Redwood City Police Detectives are investigating the cause of this accident. Some common causes of bicycle accidents include: unsafe lane changes, motorists slamming on the brakes, left turns in front of an oncoming bicycle, inattentive motorists, and aggressive motorists who refuse to share the road with bicyclists. The driver of the pickup truck can be held liable for this terrible accident if driver negligence is found to have contributed to this bicycle accident.
A fatal or severe bicycle accident is a terrible tragedy that no family should be forced to endure. In an instant lives can be lost and families can be torn apart. At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP we understand the hardship associated with the loss of a loved one in a bicycle accident. Our dedicated legal team is committed to helping bicycle accident victims and their families move on with their lives. Although there is no amount of financial compensation that can replace a lost loved one, our experienced bicycle accident attorneys fight tirelessly to get bicycle accident victims and their families the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a bicycle accident call our office for a free consultation. Our experienced legal team will provide you with a free case evaluation and help explain your rights. All bicycle accident victims deserve an experienced bicycle accident attorney to fight for them.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

San Mateo Pedestrian Killed

A tragic accident claimed the life of a pedestrian in San Mateo on November 24, 2012. The victim has since been identified as San Mateo resident Reynaldo Aguiniga.  Mr. Aguiniga was standing in the vicinity of a bus stop on the 1700 block of South Delaware Street in San Mateo, California when the accident occurred.  
 
According to published reports, a Chevrolet Camaro left the roadway and slammed into a cement garbage can.  The garbage can violently launched into the air and struck Mr. Aguiniga.  Emergency responders arrived on the scene and immediately transported Mr. Aguiniga to an area hospital.  Tragically, he was unable to recover from his severe injuries.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Anguiniga’s family in their time of immense grief.
 
A San Mateo Police Department Spokesman indicated that the driver of the Camaro had stopped briefly to inspect his vehicle for damage and then quickly fled the scene.  Eye witnesses were able to provide a partial description of the vehicle’s license plate which led San Mateo Police detectives to the residence of the at-fault driver.  San Mateo resident Josue Lopez was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run.
 
The circumstances surrounding this terrible accident may be unusual however the dangers facing Bay Area pedestrians are far too common.  Many types of negligent driver behaviors can lead to fatal and severe pedestrian accidents.  Some of the more common causes of pedestrian accidents include: driver inattentiveness, driver confusion, intoxication, unsafe intersections and aggressive driving.
 
If you or a loved one have experienced a pedestrian accident call the office of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP.  Our experienced legal team will provide you with a free consultation and help explain your rights.  We are committed to fighting for the rights of pedestrians.  Our dedicated trial attorneys have a successful record of standing up to big insurance companies, making negligent drivers pay and getting pedestrians and their families the compensation they deserve.          
      

Friday, November 16, 2012

Mountain Biker Struck by Car in San Francisco's Presidio

A frightening bicycle accident occurred in San Francisco on November 12, 2012, at approximately 10:00 a.m.  According to published reports, 26-year-old Garrett Gibson was riding his mountain bike north on Lincoln Boulevard in the Presidio when he was struck by a black Porsche Cayenne.  Mr. Gibson was violently thrown off his bike and knocked unconscious.  After the collision, Mr. Gibson’s mountain bike became pinned to the front of the Porsche.  The driver of the Porsche fled the scene of the accident with the bicycle still pinned underneath the bumper.  The mountain bike has yet to be recovered. 

It is unfathomable that someone could strike another human being with their car and not even stop to administer aid or call for help.  Tragically, this type of deplorable behavior is far too common on California roadways.  Recent unconfirmed reports have indicated that the driver may have turned herself in to local police. 

Fortunately, a passing motorist stopped their vehicle, dragged Mr. Gibson out of the roadway, and contacted emergency personnel.   Mr. Gibson suffered a major concussion, abrasions, and contusions as a result of this terrible accident.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts are with Mr. Gibson in hopes that he makes a complete recovery and is back on his mountain bike in the near future. 

The experienced bicycle accident attorneys of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP are all too familiar with the dangers facing cyclists in the Bay Area.  We are committed to fighting for bicycle accident victims and their families.  Our skilled trial attorneys have a history of obtaining significant verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured cyclists.  If you or a loved one have experienced a bicycle accident call our office for a free and confidential consultation with our legal team. 
 

 

Thursday, November 15, 2012

San Ramon Pedestrian Critically Injured After Hit-and-Run Collision

An elderly pedestrian suffered critical injuries after being struck by a car.  This terrible accident occurred on November 9, 2012, at the intersection of Village Parkway and Alcosta Boulevard in San Ramon, California.  The 82-year-old victim was immediately transported to a local hospital.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with the victim in hopes that he recovers from his injuries.

Tragically, the segments of our population that remain at the highest risk of being victimized in pedestrian accidents are elderly people and children.   Elderly pedestrians are more susceptible to pedestrian accidents because they may require some additional time to cross the street.  Motorists must operate their vehicles cautiously and in accordance with all applicable traffic laws in order to ensure the safety of all pedestrians.   A motorist who negligently operates his vehicle can be held liable for all injuries and damages that resulted from his negligence. 
The driver who struck the pedestrian fled the scene after the accident.  Witnesses that were nearby reported to San Ramon Police Department investigators that they observed a late model silver Nissan Altima leaving the scene heading southbound on Village Parkway towards Dublin.  San Ramon Police Department investigators have requested that anyone with information regarding this tragic accident comes forward. 

Hit-and–run pedestrian accidents are disturbingly common in California. When the hit-and-run driver is unidentified, claims on behalf of the victims can be challenging to prosecute.  The services of an experienced pedestrian accident attorney who understands the importance of a comprehensive investigation is essential following a hit-and-run pedestrian accident.  The legal team of Matiaisc Roth & Johnson LLP explore every possible option to get our clients the compensation they deserve.  This can include pursuing claims against property owners, public entities, or the victim’s own insurance carrier.  

If you or a loved one have experienced a pedestrian accident call the office of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP today.  Our experienced legal team will provide you with a free consultation and case evaluation.  It is imperative that pedestrian accident victims and their families understand their legal rights and options. 

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Two Boys Struck by Car in Sonoma Crosswalk


Two boys were injured in a Sonoma crosswalk after being struck by a car.  The frightening accident occurred while the boys were in a marked crosswalk at the intersection Fifth Street West and Curtin Lane near Sassarini Elementary School. 
According to published reports, the boys were struck by aToyota Corolla which was being operated by 92-year-old Sonoma resident Levon Arkelian.  Mr. Arkelian told Sonoma County Sheriff‘s Department investigators that he did not see the boys when he passed through the crosswalk.  Mr. Arkelian received a traffic citation for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

The crosswalk is reportedly marked with a flashing sign and flashing lights embedded in the roadway.  Witnesses have indicated that the flashing lights were activated when the boys were crossing the street. Had the crosswalk not been adequately marked a government entity could have been held accountable.
It appears that driver inattention or driver confusion contributed to this terrible accident.  The safety of pedestrians is put at risk whenever a driver is not paying full attention to the roadway.   An inattentive driver can be held liable for any injuries and damages caused by his negligence.

One of the boys was immediately taken to Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa.  He was treated for a skull fracture and eventually released from the hospital.  The other victim was transported to Sonoma Valley Hospital and treated for various abrasions.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP we wish both the young victims a speedy and complete recovery.

Our law firm is committed to fighting on behalf of pedestrian accident victims and their families.  Our experienced trial lawyers do not hesitate to take a case to court when insurance companies fail to offer a reasonable settlement.  We fight zealously for our clients to get them the compensation they deserve.  This can include damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of consortium and other damages. 
If you or a loved one have experienced a traumatic pedestrian accident call Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP for a free consultation.   

Monday, October 22, 2012

Santa Rosa Pedestrian Suffers Severe Injuries After Being Struck By Car


A tragic pedestrian accident occurred in Santa Rosa on October 20, 2012.  According to published reports, the scene of the accident was the east side of Mission Boulevard near Randall Lane.  This stretch of Mission Boulevard is heavily traveled by motorists as a thoroughfare between Montecito Boulevard and Highway 12. 
Early reports indicate that that the victim, who appeared to be a man in his twenties, was in the crosswalk when he was struck by the car.  Fortunately, a Kaiser Permanente emergency room nurse was nearby when the accident occurred.  He was able to provide some emergency care until paramedics arrived on the scene. The victim sustained critical injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family. 

Following this shocking accident, concerned local residents expressed their frustrations regarding the dangerous intersection and crosswalk.  An intersection can be unsafe for a variety of reasons including: improper phasing of traffic signals; poor design; lack of visual controls; or inadequate signage.  A crosswalk is unsafe if it is not sufficiently marked to provide a safe crossing for pedestrians. 

A state or city that is aware that an intersection or crosswalk is dangerous and fails to remedy the unsafe situation can be held liable for any accidents and injuries.  If you or a loved one have experienced a pedestrian accident it is imperative to contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney immediately to preserve your rights.  Time is of the essence as certain claims against public entities for a dangerous condition of public property must be filed within six months of the accident.  Call our office today for a free consultation with one of our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys.     
The experienced legal team at Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP is committed to standing up for the rights of pedestrians. We fight on behalf of our clients to hold public entities and reckless drivers accountable for their negligence.         

Monday, October 15, 2012

Hayward Pedestrian Killed After Being Struck by Motorcycle in Crosswalk

A 66-year-old Hayward man suffered fatal injuries after being struck by a motorcycle. According to published reports, the tragic accident occurred on Saturday October 13, 2012, at the intersection of Jackson Street and Silva Avenue. The Hayward Police Department has reported that motorcycle was travelling eastbound on Jackson Street at an excessive rate of speed when it struck the pedestrian. The pedestrian victim was reportedly crossing the street in a marked crosswalk at the moment of impact.
The pedestrian victim and the motorcyclist were both transported to the Eden Hospital Trauma Center. Tragically, the pedestrian was unable to recover from his severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP we would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the victim's family.
Early reports indicate that alcohol played a factor in this fatal accident. 
Regrettably, driver intoxication is a common cause of pedestrian accidents in California. The safety of pedestrians is put at risk whenever an intoxicated driver is on the road. The legal team at Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP is committed to making intoxicated, reckless, and negligent drivers pay for any heartache and pain they cause.
The loss of a loved one in a pedestrian accident is a terrible tragedy. An instant of driver negligence can tear a family apart. Our dedicated legal team takes pride in helping families who have experienced the wrongful death of a loved one in a traumatic pedestrian or bicycle accident. We fight for our clients to get them the financial compensation they deserve to help rebuild their lives.

Our experienced trial lawyers have obtained successful results for our clients in courtrooms throughout California. If you or a loved one have experienced a pedestrian accident call our office today for a free consultation.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Cyclist Dies After Being Struck by Big-Rig Truck in Stockton


A deadly bicycle accident occurred on October 9, 2012, in Stockton, California.  The scene of the deadly crash was the Fremont Street crossing over Highway 99.  According to a California Highway Patrol spokesperson, an unidentified cyclist was riding a silver mountain bike in the bike lane when he was struck by a big-rig truck.  The cyclist reportedly went under the big-rig truck after impact.  Sadly, the cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family.  
Cyclists are susceptible to fatal injuries whenever they are involved in a collision with any type of vehicle.  The loss of a loved one in a bicycle accident is a traumatic experience that no individual should be forced to endure.  Although no amount of money can bring back a lost loved one, our dedicated attorneys fight to get our clients the compensation they deserve.      

If a bicycle accident victim survives an accident they often suffer severe injuries that may last a lifetime.  The experienced trial attorneys of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP have experience litigating on behalf of cyclists who have suffered a wide range of severe injuries including: traumatic brain injuries, fractured bones, concussions, and spinal cord injuries.  Regardless of the severity of the injury, our dedicated trial lawyers fight zealously to help our clients receive maximum compensation for their damages, pain, and suffering.   
Our legal team is passionate about defending the rights of cyclists. The dedicated attorneys of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP can help regardless of whether the bicycle accident was caused by a negligent driver, an unsafe intersection, or a defective product.  If you or a loved one have been involved in a bicycle accident call our office for a free consultation. 

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Tragedy in Daly City After Minivan Strikes Pedestrians


A tragic pedestrian accident took the life of one young victim and left two other victims with life-threatening injuries. This horrific accident occurred on Saturday October 6, 2012 at approximately 9:00 a.m. in Daly City, California.
According to published reports, the victims were walking through the parking lot at Saint Andrew Catholic Church on Southgate Avenue when they were struck by a Toyota minivan.  The three victims were treated at the scene before being transported to San Francisco General Hospital.

Tragically, one of the victims was unable to recover from her injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.  The young victim has been identified as 6-year-old Danielle Naval of Daly City.  The other two victims reportedly sustained undisclosed life threatening injuries.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.    
Pedestrian accidents can cause a lifetime of heartache in an instant.  Families are torn apart and lives are shattered in a fleeting moment of driver negligence.  The pain associated with losing a loved one in a preventable pedestrian accident is unimaginable. 

The driver of the Toyota minivan has not yet been identified by authorities.  The cause of this tragic accident also remains unclear.  However, based on the fact that the accident occurred in a parking lot during daylight it appears that driver negligence may have contributed to this accident.  

A driver of a car or truck has an enormous responsibility to ensure the safety of pedestrians.  Sadly, pedestrian accidents often occur when drivers are not paying attention to the roadway.  Drivers can be distracted for a multitude of reasons including: talking on the cellphone, texting, eating, fiddling with the radio or putting on makeup.  If a driver’s attention is not completely focused on the road, the safety of pedestrians is put at risk. 

The experienced trial lawyers of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP are dedicated to helping victims of pedestrian accidents.  We fight for those whose lives have been devastated as a result of pedestrian accidents.  Our goal is always to get our clients the financial compensation they deserve to help rebuild their lives.  Call our legal team today for a free consultation.     

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Girl Killed in Novato Bicycle Accident


The close-knit community of Novato, California is reeling following a tragic bicycle accident.  The accident occurred on Novato Boulevard on September 28, 2012, when an SUV inexplicably struck a twelve-year-old girl. 
Immediately following the accident, the victim was rushed by paramedics to Novato Community Hospital and later airlifted to Children’s Hospital in Oakland.  Tragically, the injuries were too severe and the young victim was pronounced dead.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with the victim, her family, and the entire Novato community. 
The Marin County Coroner’s Office has since identified the victim as Sinaloa Middle School student Hailey Ratliff.  A vigil was held in Hailey’s honor at her school where her classmates, teachers, and her pastor remembered her beautiful spirit.    
Investigators have not yet determined the cause of this fatal accident.  At this point it is unknown whether driver inattention, aggressiveness, or recklessness played any role in this accident.  Traffic investigators are in the process of reconstructing the accident to determine the cause and hopefully prevent this type of unimaginable tragedy from happening again.
According to published reports, the stretch of Novato Boulevard where this accident occurred is known to be dangerous.  A public entity may be liable for an accident if they have knowledge of a dangerous condition of public property and fail to remedy it.  
Losing a family member in a fatal bicycle accident is something that no person should be forced to endure.  The heartache and pain is beyond words.  The compassionate bicycle accident lawyers of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP understand that no amount of financial compensation can bring back a lost loved one.  Neverthless, we are comitted to fighting on behalf of our clients to help them rebuild their lives following fatal and severe bicycle accidents.

Monday, September 24, 2012

San Francisco Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck by Truck

A late night accident claimed one life in San Francisco.  The tragic accident occurred on Cesar Chavez Street near the intersection of Potrero Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard adjacent to the Interstate 101 overpass.  An unidentified victim was crossing Cesar Chavez Street when he was struck by a Nissan pickup truck.  The victim, who has been described as a male in his 20’s, was pronounced dead at the scene.  Our thoughts are with the victim’s family in their time of grief.       

The female driver of the Nissan pickup truck was arrested by San Francisco Police Officers for suspicion of driving under the influence.   Unfortunately, driver intoxication is common cause of pedestrian accidents.  Intoxicated drivers are a danger to pedestrians because they lack the reaction time and awareness to safely operate their vehicles. 

This tragic accident exemplifies the dangers facing San Francisco’s pedestrians.  Crowded streets, reckless drivers, and unsafe intersections all contribute to give San Francisco the dubious distinction of being one of America’s most dangerous cities for pedestrians.   The experienced pedestrian accident attorneys of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP fight on behalf of pedestrians who have been victimized by inattentive, reckless, and intoxicated drivers. 

If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident call our compassionate trial attorneys for a free consultation.  We will initiate a comprehensive investigation on your behalf to determine all possible sources of liability.  Our trial lawyers never back down from a fight when it comes to protecting the interests of our clients.   

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Tragic Pedestrian Accident in Walnut Creek

A horrific pedestrian accident turned a family outing into an unimaginable tragedy.  The accident occurred in Walnut Creek on September 8th at approximately 6:15 p.m.  According to published reports, a pickup truck was driving southbound on Main Street in the vicinity of Interstate 680 when it veered off the road onto the sidewalk.  The truck struck two members of a family that were walking on an adjacent sidewalk.   A group of employees and guests at a nearby Marriot Hotel witnessed the shocking accident unfold.   

Tragically, one of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene.   Authorities have identified her as 52-year-old Sherry Hicks of Santa Barbara, California.  Mrs. Hicks and her husband had reportedly travelled to Walnut Creek to visit their son and his new wife who was expecting her first child.  Sadly, the wife was also severely injured in the accident.  She was transported to John Muir Medical Center and is reportedly in critical condition.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers remain with the family in their time of immense grief and suffering.

The driver of the pickup truck has been identified as 53-year-old Walnut Creek resident Hossein Tabrizi.  After being treated for injuries, Tabrizi was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter.  Authorities are investigating whether drugs, alcohol, or excessive speeding contributed to this tragic accident.  Recent news reports have indicated that Tabrizi had two previous arrests for driving under the influence.

The lives and safety of pedestrians are put at risk every time a driver is negligent, reckless or careless behind the wheel.   As demonstrated by this accident, a negligently operated vehicle is a lethal weapon capable of tearing apart a family in an instant.  The dedicated trial lawyers of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP are committed to standing up for victims of pedestrian accidents and their families. 

We are sickened by the prevalence of avoidable pedestrian accidents in the Bay Area.  When the safety of pedestrians is put at risk, we fight on behalf of victims and make negligent drivers pay for the harm they cause.   If you or a loved one have been injured in a traumatic pedestrian accident call our office today for a free consultation with one of our pedestrian accident lawyers.