San Ramon, CA (November 27, 2024) – Authorities have confirmed the identity of a 17-year-old boy, Samuel Grumet, who tragically died on November 27 after being struck by a vehicle on southbound I-680 near Crow Canyon Road in San Ramon.
Accident Details: At approximately 4:38 a.m., pedestrian Grumet entered the southbound lanes of I-680 from the right shoulder, where he was struck by a 63-year-old Richmond woman driving a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek at an estimated 60 to 65 mph. Despite her efforts to brake, the collision was unavoidable. Authorities arrived to find Grumet deceased at the scene. The driver remained on-site and cooperated fully with authorities. No charges are expected against her. The circumstances that led to Grumet walking along the freeway at that hour remain under investigation.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that the circumstances of this tragic incident raise several legal considerations. Although no charges are expected against the driver, authorities will investigate whether she was distracted or fatigued. They will also see if she was obeying all traffic laws. Investigators will also examine contributing factors such as insufficient lighting, poor road conditions, and whether the Subaru suffered from mechanical malfunction. They will also determine why Grumet was on the freeway.
If negligence is found, Grumet’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. However, under California’s comparative negligence laws, Grumet’s actions in entering the freeway could also be evaluated, potentially reducing recoverable damages if his family pursues a claim.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to Samuel Grumet’s family, friends, and community.
Source: Patch