Riverside Hit-and-Run Car Accident Kills Woman

A 41-year-old woman killed in a Riverside car accident, after the driver of another vehicle cut her off and caused a head-on collision has been identified by authorities as Sharon Brooks. The Press Enterprise reports that the fatal car accident occurred the morning of December 16, 2009, when Brooks was driving west on Gilman Springs Road near Moreno Valley. It was then that the driver of a tan colored car with a pin stripe on the back attempted to pass Brooks' Honda Civic.

However, the driver of the sedan then saw a Nissan Altima in the oncoming lane and moved back. That forced the Civic into the dirt shoulder causing Brooks to lose control of her car and slam into the Nissan. Brooks was ejected and died at the scene. The driver of the Altima, 31-year-old Willie Henderson Jr., suffered minor injuries. The tan sedan, which ran the Honda off the road, left the scene of the crash.

Hit-and-Run Car Accident

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Sharon Brooks for their horrific loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved her. They will certainly be in my prayers. I'm relieved that the driver of the Nissan was not seriously injured and wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery. I also hope officials catch up with this hit-and-run driver and make sure that he or she is brought to justice.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Wrongful Death Claim

Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for funeral or medical expenses, loss of earnings, loss of companionship and other related damages. Brooks' family would be well-advised to consult an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that their legal rights are protected.

A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether there was a dangerous condition on this roadway, which may have caused or contributed to the crash. If that was the case, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Any claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.