California Injury Lawyer Blog

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY -- On Tuesday, a 33-year-old Soquel woman was arrested and booked in Santa Cruz County Jail on suspicion of causing a hit-and-run accident that killed bicyclist Noel Hamilton on June 27th, Fox Reno reported. Sandra Joy Wertz was driving a white 1999 Infiniti QX4 on Soquel-San Jose Road just near O'Neill Lane at about 10:10 p.m. Monday night when she fatally struck and killed Hamilton. Wertz initially fled the scene, but later returned to provide a statement to California Highway Patrol officers. Hamilton, 31, who was a silk screener and sculptor, was reported dead at the scene.

CHP officer Sarah Jackson explained that Wertz was a suspect in the accident, but took investigators roughly 6 weeks to corroborate her story with the evidence. Investigators have also discussed Wertz's arrest to Hamilton's family.

Cause of the Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident

The reasons as to why and how the accident occurred remains to be unclear. However, based on the limited information provided by Mercury News and Fox Reno, it appears the driver will be held accountable for the hit-and-run bicycle accident. According to the California Vehicle Code § 20001, a driver involved in any accident that results in an injury or death, other than to himself or herself, is legally obligated to stop at the scene of the collision. And in a hit-and-run accident such as this one occurring on June 27th, the driver is usually charged with a felony.

Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In addition to criminal charges, the driver will most likely be held liable for the hit-and-run accident that killed the victim. Therefore, family members of the victim would be well-advised to seek a skilled Northern California wrongful death attorney. A knowledgeable attorney who has the expertise in tragic hit-and-run bicycle accidents can help the family understand and protect their legal rights, hold the driver fully responsible for the incident, and may be entitled to receive the maximum compensation for final medical care expenses, support, loss of a loved one, and funeral/burial costs relating to this fatal and devastating hit-and-run bicycle accident.