Northern California Businessman Sued for Wrongful Death Stemming from Car Accident

A wrongful death lawsuit stemming from a car accident has been filed against prominent local businessman and Kings minority owner Phil Oates. The suit is the result of a collision that occurred in May 2024 in Granite Bay, where Oates is alleged to have collided with retired California Highway Patrol officer Patrick Mulderrig. The lawsuit was filed by Mulderrig’s widow.

According to the lawsuit, Mulderrig had left his home on a red Harley-Davidson to visit his nephew in the hospital. His widow began to worry when Mulderrig didn’t come home by 7:30. She texted him, but he didn’t text her back.

According to a police report, Mulderrig had been driving on Douglas Boulevard in Granite Bay when a Cadillac, driven by Phil Oates, turned left. In the police report, Oates said he saw the motorcycle changing lanes as he began to move into the roadway from a turn area and sped up. He realized the motorcycle was moving faster than he expected and felt the collision shortly after.

Mulderrig was taken to the hospital, where he was given emergency surgery. He tragically, however, succumbed to his injuries.

According to a police report, Oates was not under the influence of any drug or alcohol at the time of the crash. The investigating officer did refer the case to the district attorney for a possible citation and/or manslaughter charges. The district attorney did not file charges against Oates related to the crash.

An attorney for the plaintiff, Mulderrig’s widow, stated that the crash “wasn’t an accident. It was a bad crash. Because for whatever reason, he [Oates] elected to put his life at risk by making that left-hand turn.”

In a statement to the press, the Placer County District Attorney’s office said, “After reviewing the facts and evidence in the case, the District Attorney’s office declined to file criminal charges.” The case could have been referred to the district attorney’s office on misdemeanor manslaughter charges. The DA said that the investigation produced insufficient evidence that the decedent’s death was the result of a criminal act. Attorneys for the plaintiff believe that Oates should have been cited and prosecuted, allowing a jury to make the decision as to whether or not a crime was committed.

Motorcycle accident lawsuits 

Unfortunately, motorcyclists are at increased risk of sustaining a catastrophic injury or dying in a car accident. In addition, the smaller vehicles are more difficult to see for drivers on the roadways. Nonetheless, a motorcyclist can file a personal injury lawsuit against a driver who negligently operates their vehicle, resulting in injury. If the motorcyclist is killed in an accident, his estate and loved ones can file a wrongful death suit against the driver who allegedly caused the crash.

Talk to an Oakland, CA Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today 

Venardi Zurada represents the interests of motorcyclists who have been injured in traffic accidents. We serve the Bay Area from our office locations in Oakland and Walnut Creek.

Call our Oakland personal injury attorneys today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.

Source:

kcra.com/article/california-businessman-phil-oates-sued-wrongful-death/64506512