Susan Herman, 60, was killed in a Ventura car accident the evening of August 24, 2009 after she was struck by a teen driver while walking her dog, the Ventura County Star reports. Herman was hit on Shoreline Drive near Surfers Point, Ventura police said. She was not far from a crosswalk and was apparently headed for a walk along the beach with her dog when she was struck. Herman was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Her dog died at the scene. The 16-year-old driver remained at the scene. Police say he did not appear to be speeding, but an investigation is ongoing. Officials say the segment of the road where the accident occurred, curves as drivers head westbound and the teen driver may not have seen the woman in time to avoid the collision.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Susan Herman for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. They will be in my prayers.
Ventura Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three deaths and 27 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Ventura, California. In Ventura County as a whole, there were eight fatalities and 136 injuries in 2007 involving pedestrian accidents.
Based on this newspaper report, it appears that the driver of the car may not have seen Susan Herman and her dog on the roadway. The question is what caused the teen not to see her? I trust officials are looking into whether he was impaired, distracted or reckless/negligent in some other way. If that turns out to be the case, he could be held liable for the fatal injuries caused.
California Personal Injury Lawyer
Susan Herman’s family would be well-advised to consult an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will follow up with the police investigation and help determine whether there was any negligence here. A skilled car accident lawyer will also look into whether there was a dangerous condition on that roadway, which may have caused or contributed to this fatal car accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a governmental entity in California must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.