Mettler, CA – On Friday, December 6, 2024, a pedestrian lost their life after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 99 near Mettler, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the accident took place around 6 AM in the southbound lanes of Highway 99 near Highway 166.
According to investigations, the pedestrian involved was walking in the traffic lanes when a 2021 GMC Yukon SUV traveling at 75 miles per hour struck them.
Emergency responders declared the pedestrian dead at the scene. The driver of the Yukon remained with the victim and cooperated with investigators.
The identity of the pedestrian will be released pending notification of their family. It is unknown whether drugs or alcohol played a factor in this fatal crash.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as if they attempt to cross outside of a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a Duty of Care toward their safety.
It may therefore be determined that a motorist is held only partially liable in a pedestrian accident. Should that be the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
Martin Gasparian is the founder of Maison Law, a California Personal Injury Law Firm. Martin is a graduate of Georgetown University Law School and has been practicing law in California 2004. His practice focuses on helping injury victims know their rights and recover just compensation.
