Patrick McConkey Hit, Killed by Vehicle on Highway 101 in Smith River

Patrick McConkey Killed, Flaviano Soltero Arrested after Smith River Pedestrian Crash on Highway 101 near Timbers Boulevard

Smith River, California (February 22, 2020) – Police have arrested the hit-and-run driver who caused a traffic accident that killed a pedestrian on January 2 in Smith River.

The crash happened at about 9:30 p.m. January 2 on Highway 101 near Timbers Boulevard.

Patrick McConkey was walking on the west shoulder of Highway 101 just north of Timbers Boulevard when a grey Honda Odyssey van struck him. The Honda driver did not stop after hitting McConkey, police said.

McConkey died as a result of the crash.

An investigation was conducted by the CHP to find the hit-and-run driver. The Honda driver, identified as Flaviano Tovar Soltero,29, was arrested on February 13.

Soltero was booked into the Del Norte County Jail and was charged with hit-and-run resulting in death, vehicular manslaughter and obstructing a public officer.

The crash remains under investigation.

A person on foot is no match for a vehicle. Pedestrians have virtually no protection when they are hit by cars, motorcycles, trucks, and other vehicles. Sadly, this often leads to catastrophic injuries and/or death. “Due to the incredibly serious nature of these types of injuries, pedestrian accident cases often require special care in order to help ensure victims receive the full compensation they need for extensive medical bills, ongoing rehabilitation therapy, in-home care, lost past and future earnings, and numerous other economic and non-economic damages”, Said Arin Khodaverdian, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.

Arin noted that pedestrians, in most instances, have the right-of-way when crossing a street or an intersection. According to Arin, to properly investigate a pedestrian crash and prove negligence, enough resources are required. “A skilled attorney has the resources and will help investigate the accident to determine the party at fault,” Arin said