Riverside, CA (August 8, 2023) A man was killed in a hit-and-run on Monday while standing on the shoulder of Interstate 215. The accident happened around 1:45 a.m. on the southbound side of I-215, just north of La Cadena Drive in Riverside.
The man, identified as 39-year-old Gilberto Sotelo, was driving a Chevrolet Silverado when it died. He pulled onto the shoulder to add gasoline to the vehicle. It is unknown whether or not he had the gas with him or walked to a gas station to purchase gas, according to the California Highway Patrol.
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As Sotelo stood on the shoulder, pouring gasoline into his truck, a Honda Sport Utility vehicle or a pickup was going southbound in the slow lane of the interstate. How fast the vehicle was driving is unknown. The vehicle swerved on the interstate, hitting Sotelo and his vehicle. The driver didn’t stop, but fled the scene instead.
Officer Javier Navarro of the California Highway Patrol said that the driver of the vehicle continued southbound on I-215. Witnesses on the interstate stopped to help and to call 911. Riverside Fire Department Paramedics arrived at the scene to find Sotelo dead. Investigators searched for the hit-and-run suspect but couldn’t find them.
The vehicle that hit Sotelo sustained damage and investigators found pieces of the vehicle at the crash site. Navarro said the vehicle will have right-side damage from the collision.
Liability In Riverside Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “An estimated 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal crash-related injuries in 2017. Per trip, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash.” There are a number of factors that could lead to a pedestrian collision including:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Driver distraction
- Inclement weather
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. The family of any victim that died in a pedestrian collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Riverside Pedestrian Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Gilbero Sotelo. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need assistance after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.
