(Jurupa Valley, CA) A vehicle struck a pedestrian, killing them in a Rutile Street crash south of 50th Street in Jurupa Valley.
On Tuesday, August 19, shortly before 5 a.m., the Rutile Street crash occurred. According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, it happened on Rutile Street, a block away from 50th Street.
Sgt. Rafael Lopez reported officers located the victim on the narrow two-lane residential corridor of the street. When they investigated, they learned a car traveling at an unconfirmed speed struck the pedestrian. The driver immediately pulled over and called 911 promptly, remaining at the scene.
By the time paramedics arrived minutes later, they pronounced the victim dead at the Rutile Street crash site. Deputies questioned the driver but did not arrest him. As a result of the collision, officers shut down Rutile between 50th and Jurupa Road for several hours.
Legal Opinion of the Rutile Street Crash
Striking a pedestrian, even when not intentional, raises serious legal concerns under California law. In this case, the driver stayed at the Rutile Street crash site and called 911, which complies with California Vehicle Code 20003. This law requires a driver involved in a crash with injuries or death to provide assistance and report the incident. Since the driver did stop and cooperate, police chose not to arrest him at the scene. That choice often reflects the absence of obvious intoxication or reckless behavior.
Regardless, the full investigation of the Rutile Street crash will still consider whether the driver acted with due caution. Under VEH 21950, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. Even though the street is a narrow, two-lane road, the law still expects drivers to watch carefully in residential areas where pedestrians are likely to be.
Speed is another key issue. Police have not confirmed how fast the car moved before hitting the victim. But if the driver was going too fast for that residential zone, even if under the posted limit, it could violate VEH 22350. This is California’s Basic Speed Law, which says drivers must go at a safe speed for the conditions. If speed played a role in the Rutile Street crash, it could open the door for civil liability.
What the Family Can Do
The victim’s family has the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This type of lawsuit allows close relatives to seek compensation for their loss. That can include funeral costs, and the financial value of the victim’s support.
Even though the driver stayed at the scene, the family may still hold him accountable if evidence shows he failed to drive safely. An attorney can request the sheriff’s department’s full Rutile Street crash report, including any witness statements, crash scene photos, and any vehicle data that shows speed or braking patterns. The family’s attorney can also determine if local cameras captured the incident.
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.
