A 72-year-old man in an electric wheelchair and his caretaker were struck and injured by a dump truck in Costa Mesa. According to a KTLA news report, the truck hit the man and a 53-year-old woman, an Anaheim resident, while they were crossing the street at Anaheim Avenue between 19th Street and Plumer Street the afternoon of May 22. The woman suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital where she is said to be in critical condition.
Police Looking for Witnesses
The man sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Police said his wheelchair was damaged in the collision and doesn’t work any more. The truck driver remained at the scene and cooperated with the authorities. It appears that the pedestrians were in a crosswalk when the dump truck hits them. No arrests or citations were reported pending an official investigation. Officials are urging anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dash cam footage was asked to contact police investigator Darren Wood at 714-754- 5264.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this pedestrian accident. We wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Laws and Liability Issues
It appears that the pedestrians in this case may have been crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. However, it is not clear why the dump truck driver did not see them. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a), all motorists are required to stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians who are walking in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. We trust officials are looking into why the dump truck driver failed to yield to the pedestrians who were crossing the street. Was he distracted, impaired or negligent in some way?
In this particular case, the dump truck driver and his employer may be held liable for the injuries and damages caused, even if he is not criminally charged. Injured victims in such cases may seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced Costa Mesa pedestrian accident lawyer will be able to advise victims regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://ktla.com/2019/05/23/72-year-old-man-in-wheelchair-his-care-taker-struck-by-truck-in-costa-mesa/