Stockton, CA – A tragic incident occurred early Friday morning, May 17, 2024, in Stockton, resulting in the death of a pedestrian who was struck by multiple vehicles, according to KCRA with additional reporting by Fox40.
The collision took place around 4:46 AM on southbound Highway 99 near the Cherokee Road onramp in San Joaquin County. For reasons yet to be determined, a man was walking in the roadway when he was hit by a big rig traveling at approximately 50 mph. The impact from the big rig was followed by the pedestrian being struck by additional vehicles as the truck driver pulled over to the side.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers closed off the freeway to conduct an investigation and manage the scene. The #3 and #4 lanes were reopened at 8:13 AM, with the entire roadway fully cleared by 10:43 AM.
The driver of the big rig was not injured and, according to the CHP, was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident. It remains unclear whether the pedestrian was intoxicated.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Motorists are required to exercise an additional “duty of care” towards pedestrians due to their heightened vulnerability in car accidents, which more often result in pedestrian fatalities. Motorists are expected to stay with injured pedestrians to help secure help from emergency services and cooperate with authorities once they arrive.
Those who lose their loved one to a vehicular fatality should know that a Wrongful Death Claim, made with the help of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, can provide compensation to address the financial burden of medical bills, burial fees, and the loss of income to support any dependents of the deceased.
