The California Highway Patrol is investigating the death of a man who was killed while walking on the side of Highway 1 last week near California State University Monterey Bay. The pedestrian, identified as David Armstrong, 50, of Seaside, was walking on the northbound side of Highway 1, north of Light Fighter Drive just before 8:30 p.m., when he was struck by a passing vehicle. Armstrong was then struck again by several other vehicles and died at the scene of the crash.
The CHP is attempting to identify all vehicles involved in the fatal hit-and-run accident. Several motorists contacted the CHP on Friday and said they had struck something but could not identify what it was. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. We hope that law enforcement will be able to identify the vehicle that struck David Armstrong, and understand the facts surrounding this tragic accident. Leaving the scene of an accident that results in injury or death is against the law, and there are no exceptions. According to Section 20002 of the California Vehicle code, [a] driver must stop and locate owner or person in charge and exchange driver documentation. If owner of damaged property cannot be located, the driver is not permitted to leave the scene of the accident until the following actions have been completed:a) Leave a note with facts surrounding the case and driver documentation information; or b) Report the accident to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or local police." In this case, the driver should have stopped at the scene.
When a hit and run accident results in bodily injury or death, the driver is usually charged with a felony. According to California Law, a Hit and Run Felony is defined as, "a failure to immediately stop at the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving death or permanent injury to any person(s) associated with the accident." Additionally, the family members of the victim may also file a civil claim for wrongful death. For more information about wrongful death actions, contact the California wrongful death attorneys at Estey & Bomberger or another reputable law firm.
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