Richmond, CA (December 19, 2023) The Marin County Sheriff’s Coroner identified the 19-year-old woman who was killed in the Interstate 580’s Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Darolyn Alejandra Reyes Rodas was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the collision. The fatal accident occurred just before 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 17th, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Rodas was riding in the front passenger seat of a Honda sedan when the driver of the car began speeding on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The driver tried to change lanes halfway across the bridge and ended up hitting a white Mazda SUV.
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The California Highway Patrol said that the vehicle rolled over multiple times and finally came to a stop on its roof. Good Samaritans in the area stopped at the scene and pulled Rodas out of the severely damaged Honda. They began giving her CPR until emergency personnel arrived. Paramedics rushed to give medical attention to those involved, but found Rodas unconscious and unresponsive.
Unfortunately, Darolyn Alejandra Reyes Rodas was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel. The driver of the Honda received severe injuries in the crash and was taken to a local hospital to receive treatment.
According to the California Highway Patrol, impairment wasn’t a factor in this fatal collision on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. This accident is currently under investigation.
Liability In Richmond Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Richmond Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Darolyn Alejandra Reyes Rodas. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Richmond car accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (866) 945-4286.