Antioch, CA (December 10, 2024) – On December 10, 2024, Brandon Hasenpusch, a 33-year-old Antioch resident, was struck by a hit-and-run driver while riding his bicycle through a crosswalk at the intersection of Sycamore Drive and L Street.
Accident Details: The collision left him with a severe brain injury, a broken leg, and a lacerated liver. Surveillance footage shows a white two-door sedan hitting Hasenpusch in the crosswalk and fleeing the scene without stopping. According to the Antioch Police Department, Hasenpusch was in the crosswalk but may not have had the right of way.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination.
- Hit-and-Run Liability: Under California law, drivers involved in collisions must stop, assist, and exchange information, regardless of who is at fault. Generally, leaving the scene constitutes a breach of that legal duty and demonstrates a disregard for human life. The driver of the white sedan could face criminal charges and civil liability for leaving the scene.
- City Accountability: Investigators will also question whether the city has taken adequate measures to ensure pedestrian and cyclist safety. The city may share partial liability if the intersection’s design or lighting contributed to the driver’s inability to stop in time.
Hasenpusch may have grounds to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation costs. Even though he may be considered negligent for not having the right of way, California’s comparative negligence laws could still allow for the recovery of damages.
My sincerest thoughts go out to Brandon Hasenpusch and his family during this challenging time. I wish him a swift recovery.
Source: NBC Bay Area