Deadly collision happened in the area of Canby Road and Pineland Drive, officials say
REDDING, CA, (December 09, 2024) - The Redding Police Department (RPD) said a 25-year-old woman was identified as the driver who fatally hit a pedestrian and then fled the scene Monday night.
Tabitha Wilkens, 25, of Redding, was allegedly drunk when she struck and killed a pedestrian in the area of Canby Road and Pineland Drive Monday night, according to police.
The suspect—Tabitha Wilkens—was arrested for vehicular manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol.
According to police, a male pedestrian was struck around 11:30 p.m. in the area of Canby Road and Pineland Drive. When officers responded to the scene, they found the victim suffering from major injuries. Sadly, the person later passed away at Mercy Medical Center. Further investigation revealed that Wilkins was driving northbound on Canby when she crashed into the man walking on the shoulder.
Redding resident Wilkens reportedly stopped for a while and then drove away, officials said.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Despite every warning, every memorial, every death, too many drivers keep going, knowing they’ve hit someone.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), hit-and-run deaths in the U.S. have increased an average of 7.2% each year since 2009.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney and a Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of the victim killed in the crash may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident such as this incident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a hit-and-run driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).