Arquel Rogers Killed in Modesto Pedestrian Accident
Police searching for hit-and-run driver of dark pickup truck following fatal collision on West Hatch Road
Arquel Rogers, 34, of Modesto, was killed in a pedestrian accident on West Hatch Road between Dallas Street and Ustick Road in Modesto on May 2.
He was struck in the middle of the road by a 2017 Honda Accord and a 2018 Nissan Altima, according to the Modesto Police Department. Both drivers stopped, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Witness statements and evidence indicate a third vehicle, described as a dark pickup truck, also struck Rogers and fled the area.
His aunt launched a GoFundMe account to assist the family with burial and funeral expenses.
The crash marks the department’s third fatal traffic collision investigation of the year, down from eight deadly crashes last year, police said.
The fatal collision on West Hatch Road highlights how hit-and-run incidents can complicate traffic investigations.
While the community rallies to support the grieving family through fundraisers, investigators continue searching for the driver of the dark pickup truck. Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, said, "Pedestrians remain the most vulnerable roadway users, facing catastrophic outcomes during vehicle impacts. Serving as an advocate, an attorney coordinates with investigators, addresses insurance disputes, and ensures affected families receive protection during overwhelming financial and emotional challenges."
Authorities will review surveillance footage and vehicle debris to identify the third driver. Under California law, individuals injured or killed due to another party's negligence may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of companionship.
Under California's wrongful death statute (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.60), surviving family members may pursue a civil action when a loved one is killed due to the negligence of another. The state follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning liability can be apportioned among multiple at-fault parties. "In fatal pedestrian accidents, establishing the proportionate fault of each driver is essential for families seeking justice under the state's comparative negligence framework," noted Stefano Formica, who serves as a national legal analyst for Accident News and is of counsel at Bond Legal.
Eligible survivors, such as a spouse, children, or dependent relatives, can seek damages for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in California is generally two years from the date of the victim's death.