A man who was struck and killed in an Orange County car accident the evening of January 9, 2010, has been identified as 58-year-old Charles Reginald Conwell. The Orange County Register reports that the fatal pedestrian accident occurred in the 1700 block of Laguna Canyon Road, where Conwell was crossing the street. He was hit by a minivan driven by a 45-year-old Mission Viejo woman. Officials say Conwell was not walking inside a marked crosswalk. He was transported to a local hospital where he died.
I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Conwell. Apparently, he was a transient and a familiar face in the area. This fatally injured victim will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) there was one fatality and 16 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Laguna Beach. Countywide, 41 deaths and 726 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year. Also, in Orange County as a whole, 178 people died and 14,185 were injured due to traffic accidents in 2007.
Crosswalk Laws
California law requires pedestrians to legally cross at intersections and/or at marked crosswalks. Motorists are required under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a) to yield right-of-way to pedestrians who are crossing in crosswalks. The same section of the vehicle code also explains the duty and responsibility that pedestrians have to cross the road safely. The vehicle code states: “This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.”
Getting Skilled Legal Help
A majority of accident cases are investigated by local law enforcement. In some cases, as a victim or a member of the victim’s family, you may not agree with the outcome of the investigation. In such cases, you would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Orange County personal injury attorney, who can look into your case and make sure the investigation was conducted properly. You have nothing to lose. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation to injured victims and their families.
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.