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Wrongful Death - San Pablo, CA: Speeding Motorist Killed Pedestrian At Night

Posted by Renée Yvonne Gardner | Nov 04, 2020

Woman Charged With Killing Man Hit As He Walked In The Road

November 4, 2020

On November 3, 2020, Bay Area News Group's San Jose Mercury News reported that on October 28, 2020, Contra Costa County prosecutors charged Ms. Citlalitl Reyes with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter for a San Pablo car versus pedestrian crash that killed a Paul Severo last April. These charges were filed almost seven months after this horrible tragedy occurred.

On April 3, 2020, Citlalitl Reyes killed Paul Severo, near Giant Road and Lake Street, per court documents. Severo was reportedly walking in the roadway late at night, a little after 11:00 PM. when he was struck and killed by Citlalitl Reyes' Nissan, authorities say.

All drivers are required to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians in lawfully marked crosswalks, and even pedestrians who are walking in the roadway outside of a marked crosswalk. California Vehicle Code 21950 says: “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.” Due care is especially important at night.

Although the police determined she was not intoxicated nor distracted, Citlalitl Reyes admitted to speeding, according to investigators. Speeding in the dark can be particularly dangerous to others on the road; most of all pedestrians. Reyes is due in court for a December 2 arraignment.

If Citlalitl Reyes is found guilty of any crime in this pending criminal case, she will be ordered to pay restitution. Restitution is money ordered by a criminal court, to compensate a crime victim for their economic losses. Here, economic means money. But, the criminal court does not have the power to order a criminal defendant to compensate a crime victim's family for non-economic losses, such as the loss of the love, companionship and advice of their deceased family member.

When a person is killed due to the negligence of someone else, family members are left to grieve the very painful loss of their loved one. They may also have unanticipated economic losses: unanticipated medical bills, funeral and burial costs, and other out of pocket costs. They may also suffer non-economic losses, by losing the love, companionship and advice of their loved one who passed way.

If you have recently suffered the loss of a loved one due to someone else's negligence, contact Gardner Law today at (408) 214-5555. Gardner Law's Attorney Renée Yvonne Gardner has experience in fighting for the loved ones left behind after a tragic and unanticipated wrongful death. Gardner Law represents California wrongful death cases in the Bay Area and beyond. Attorney Gardner will also represent crime victims in the criminal court process, to seek restitution, which is reimbursement for their out of pocket expenses, and to work toward having the victim's voice heard. It's important to act quickly, to work to preserve evidence, and protect your rights in this important case.

Disclaimer: This post was created solely using secondary sources. Therefore, its information has not been verified. If any information appears to be inaccurate, please contact Gardner Law, Renee Gardner Attorney, immediately by phone, or through our online Contact form. Necessary corrections will be made.

Disclaimer: This post is not legal advice. Attorney Renee Gardner provides this post for general purposes, and to try and help the public, should they suddenly find themselves a victim of a wrongful death. Victims whose loved ones have been killed as a result of the negligence of another should immediately seek legal assistance to protect their rights.

About the Author

Renée Yvonne Gardner

Gardner Law's attorney Renée Yvonne Gardner represents auto accident wrongful death cases, serious personal injuries from auto accidents, slip and falls and dog bites, and assists consumers with disputes (small claims court assistance $12,500 or less claims for goods or services).

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For one-on-one and personalized representation in serious personal injury or death cases, or streamlined and efficient small claims court assistance for your consumer issue, I'm here to serve you.

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