Fatal Santa Rosa Hit-and-Run: The Concerns Families Often Face

On Monday afternoon in Santa Rosa, a man using a wheelchair was killed in a hit-and-run collision while crossing the street, according to police.

The crash happened at West College Avenue and Clover Drive in West Santa Rosa. Investigators later determined a lifted white GMC pickup truck had been stopped at a red light while the man was crossing. Authorities said he was still in the crosswalk when the vehicle moved forward and struck him. 

Police said a man and a woman got out of the truck after the collision and briefly approached the victim before leaving the scene. Investigators initially identified 21-year-old Israel Ramirez Sanchez as the driver, but later determined that 18-year-old Fatima Corona Bautista had been behind the wheel at the time of the crash. Corona Bautista now faces a felony hit-and-run charge resulting in death, while Ramirez Sanchez faces an accessory charge. 

Investigators are still determining whether drugs or alcohol may have contributed to the crash. The victim’s identity has not yet been publicly released, and the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office is continuing to review the case.

Legal and Insurance Questions After a Serious Crash

For families, friends, and members of the community, the consequences of such a serious crash can quickly become overwhelming, especially when it involves a sudden loss. In the days that follow, loved ones are often left dealing not only with grief, but also the legal and financial concerns that can arise, all because of careless choices that were made.

Families of the lost loved one can seek compensation from anyone who is deemed responsible for the loss of their loved one in a wrongful death claim and in a survivorship claim. Wrongful death losses include economic losses (lost financial support, funeral expenses, household services) and non-economic losses (loss of companionship, affection, and guidance).

Survivorship claims are brought on behalf of the estate of the person who lost their life. In a Survivorship claim, the estate of the lost loved one can no longer seek compensation for pre-death pain and suffering due to a law that expired at the end of last year, which did permit it. However, they can still recover economic losses, including lost wages and medical expenses.

In addition to criminal charges and civil claims against the driver, California uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can play an important role in serious injury and wrongful death cases involving drivers with little or no insurance, even when the person stricken was a pedestrian, provided that they or a relative they lived with owned an automobile that they insured with uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage.

Gomerman | Bourn & Associates has experience helping individuals and families navigate complex insurance issues after serious crashes. If you have questions and need assistance understanding your options, we’re available to help. Contact us or call 415-545-8608 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.