Man in Wheelchair Killed in Live Oak, California 

A Santa Cruz resident, ID’d as James Johnson, 69, was hit by a vehicle while in his motorized wheelchair on Sunday. 

CHP reported that the incident took place in Live Oak around 10 p.m. that night on Capitola Road.

A Mercedes Benz struck Johnson in the marked crosswalk and continued driving. 

Johnson was airlifted to Natividad Medical Center where he sadly died. 

Police later located the vehicle and traced it back to Jessica Brooke Thompson, 39.

It was discovered that she was drunk at the time of the crash and she has been charged with felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run. 

JT Legal Group sends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of James Johnson.

According to NHTSA, more than a quarter (25%) of accident-related deaths are linked to the use of alcohol. With that being said, according to the CDC, there are 30 people that are killed everyday in a car accident as a result of an alcohol-impaired driver. That is equivalent to one death every 50 minutes.  

If your injuries are caused by the negligence of a third party you may be entitled to compensation. In the event of a death, families may be entitled to wrongful death benefits.

If you or a loved one need legal help following an accident, contact JT Legal Group at (888) 529-3111.