Curtis Gunn Died After Getting Into a DUI Crash in Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek, CA (April 19, 2022) – Curtis Gunn (64) died after getting hit by a vehicle on Tice Creek Drive in Walnut Creek. According to the East Bay Times, the incident happened at around 9:15 pm on Saturday.
According to authorities, Gunn and his wife were walking on the sidewalk when a car went over the curb and hit them. The driver of the car was Stephen Kiesle (75). Authorities also believe that he was intoxicated during the accident.
A car hit Curtis Gunn and his wife while they were walking along the side of the road.
Gunn sustained severe injuries. Responders then transported him to the hospital, where he later died due to his injuries. Meanwhile, Kiesle had to be removed from his vehicle and sustained minor injuries. Also, Gunn’s wife Laurelyn Gunn, received minor injuries.
Authorities arrested Kiesle on Tuesday morning for DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. He previously served time for molesting a girl in 1995 and other sexual abuse charges in 1978. Kiesle was a former priest who got defrocked in 1987. He’s a registered sex offender and has lived in Rossmoor’s gated senior living community since 2010.
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests shared a statement on Gunn’s death, “Our hearts go out to the victim’s widow, while at the same time we cannot help but remember that her husband is only the latest person to have their life destroyed by this former Diocese of Oakland cleric.”
Laurelyn Gunn also shared that she and her husband were walking home when the vehicle jumped the curb behind them. Laurelyn said, “there was a strange noise behind us… the only way I can describe it is it sounded like thunder at ground level. It was the car jumping up on the sidewalk.”
As stated in an article by the East Bay Times, Laurelyn shared that the vehicle hit her husband head on, throwing him 20 to 25 feet due to the impact. She also shared that the vehicle’s speed was beyond the community’s speed limit. Laurelyn believed that she would have had worse injuries if she were even an inch closer to the point of impact.
Why Need a Crash Investigation?
Crash investigations are crucial. They can help determine the cause and liability. Motor vehicle accidents are common across the country. These investigations are important because most of the time, the fault is not on victims like Curtis Gunn.
In addition to crash investigations, trustworthy and competent attorneys are crucial to uphold the rights of the victim’s family. Fortunately, well-known and experienced auto accident lawyers, such as our team at Jacoby & Meyers, can help protect your rights by guiding every step of the process.
Personal Injury (Wrongful Death) Claims in Walnut Creek
Curtis Gunn’s family members may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. They can seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident such as this tragic incident.
Indeed, no amount of money will ever make up for the death of a loved one. However, receiving the maximum settlement and winning a judgment can give a sense of justice. Also, it can offer some peace of mind.
Do you have any legal questions about accidents? Get answers and common accident-related legal advice here:
- Wrongful Death
- Pedestrian Accident
- Car Accident
- Motorcycle Accident
- Truck Accident
- Hit and Run Accident
Get reliable answers to common legal questions by checking out our full list of practice areas here.
Google Map of DUI Crash Accident in Walnut Creek, CA
More About Pedestrian Accident Liability
Pedestrians usually get major injuries in pedestrian accidents. Sometimes, they can even cause death. When it comes to liability, it can fall on the pedestrian or driver based on various factors of the accident. Proving liability can become vague or obvious. The process generally involves finding out who acted carelessly, causing the accident. Any Los Angeles personal injury or accident lawyer will tell you that you need to show the following to prove negligence and liability:
- legal responsibility or “duty of care”
- violated or breached the duty of care
- the violation caused the accident
- the violation resulted in injuries or damages
In some cases, the driver might’ve sped down the road, hitting the pedestrian. This can put fault on the driver. Meanwhile, pedestrians can also get hit by a car because they acted against traffic signals. In these instances, the pedestrian can become at fault. Other factors, such as lack of road markings and ample lighting, can also lead to pedestrian accidents. In these cases, a pedestrian accident lawyer can help look at all angles to determine liability. Learn more about pedestrian accident lawyers in California here. You can also check out these resources about wrongful death attorneys and personal injury lawyers.
Jacoby & Meyers does not represent any of the above-mentioned parties. Nevertheless, we express our deepest sympathies for the family and friends of Curtis Gunn.
Certainly, nothing can alleviate the pain of losing a loved one. However, it’s also important to get your rightful compensation to help with recovery. Getting advice and guidance from experienced personal injury attorneys can also help you pursue your case. For instance, Jacoby & Meyers has a team of the best lawyers for any car accident, wrongful death, or motorcycle accident cases in California, including Los Angeles, Fresno, and Sacramento. Likewise, consulting a lawyer can help you get insight and information about complicated topics, including car accident settlements and more. If you’d like to get professional advice about your case, give us a call today at 888-960-0480 for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you.
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