On Saturday, February 29th, in Modesto, California, a fatal accident claimed the life of a pedestrian. The police have not revealed the identity of the latter, but they identified the driver as Sukhbir Singh, 57.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Singh was driving a Toyota when he struck down the victim on Highway 99. The accident occurred at about 4:38 a.m., and first responders pronounced the man dead at the scene.

The CHP has not stated if drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident, or if the driver will get charged. They are still investigating the cause of the accident, and have asked anyone with information to contact their Modesto office.

Traffic accidents between pedestrians and motorists are so common that one person dies every 1.6 hours in the United States. When an accident occurs, there are usually criminal and civil lawsuits when there’s a liability on the part of the driver.

Criminal liabilities arise when the accident is a hit-and-run or caused by a driver under the influence of drugs and alcohol. When the latter happens, the person will face a vehicular manslaughter charge.

When there’s no evidence of DUI, the courts will look at the speed of the driver at the time of the accident. If the person was reckless with disregard for substantial risk, then he or she will face vehicular manslaughter charge.

On the civil front, the driver will face a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit depending on the circumstances of the case. The person will pay damages to the tune of the amount the court awards if found liable.

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