(Good Hope, CA) A pedestrian died late Wednesday night in a Highway 74 crash after an SUV struck him in Good Hope.
On Wednesday, September 3, at 11:50 p.m., the California Highway Patrol received reports of the Highway 74 crash. According to CHP Officer Mike Lassig, it happened on the eastbound side of Highway 74, just east of Betty Road.
Upon investigating, authorities learned the man walked along the south shoulder of the highway before stepping into the roadway. A 23-year-old woman from Fontana drove a 2021 Lexus RX350 eastbound in the No. 2 lane when the impact occurred. The SUV’s right front fender hit the pedestrian, throwing him onto the pavement. The driver immediately stopped and called 911.
Paramedics with the Riverside County Fire Department arrived within minutes and found the pedestrian gravely injured. They transported him to Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley, where doctors pronounced him dead. Officials confirmed the Highway 74 crash involved no other vehicles. Officers interviewed the driver at the scene but did not arrest her. The man’s identity remains withheld pending notification of family.
Legal Opinion on the Highway 74 Crash
The Highway 74 crash in Good Hope involves questions of pedestrian safety and driver responsibility. Since the pedestrian died, multiple California laws apply. One key law is California Vehicle Code 21956. It states that pedestrians must walk on the left side of the roadway, facing traffic, when no sidewalk is available. Reports suggest the pedestrian walked on the south shoulder, but investigators still need to confirm whether he faced traffic or had his back turned.
Another law is California Vehicle Code 22350, the Basic Speed Law. This law requires drivers to travel at speeds safe for conditions, regardless of the posted limit. If investigators find the Lexus driver traveled too fast for nighttime conditions, she may still bear liability even if she stayed within the speed limit. Investigators may also review California Vehicle Code 23123.5, which bans handheld cell phone use while driving. If distraction played a role, this law could become relevant in determining fault.
What the Family Can Do
The family of the deceased pedestrian may pursue a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This law allows close relatives to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering. Since the pedestrian may have stepped into traffic, liability may be shared. California uses a comparative negligence system, which means even if the pedestrian carried partial responsibility, the family may still recover damages if the driver contributed to the crash through unsafe speed or inattention.
An attorney can help by securing the accident report on the Highway 74 crash. They can also speak with witnesses and review any nearby surveillance or dashcam footage. Accident reconstruction experts may also determine visibility, speed, and pedestrian positioning. Although nothing can undo the tragedy, legal action can provide accountability and financial support. It can also highlight safety risks for pedestrians along dangerous stretches of Highway 74.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
