Felix Navarette, 74, died four days after he was critically injured in a Santa Ana pedestrian accident. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the incident occurred the night of April 30, 2016. Navarette was crossing North Fairview Street when a Honda headed northbound tried to turn right onto West 5th Street and struck Navarette who was walking in a marked crosswalk.
He was transported to an area trauma center where he died from his injuries four days later. The driver remained at the scene of the crash. Police do not believe alcohol or drugs were factors. The investigation is ongoing.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members and friends of Felix Navarette for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s traffic accident statistics, this year alone, 27 pedestrians have been killed in Orange County. Last year, during the same period, there were 24 fatalities and during all of 2015, 71 pedestrians were killed in Orange County traffic accidents. There were 12 fatalities and 134 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in the city of Santa Ana in 2013.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the pedestrian was walking in a marked crosswalk when the motorist struck him. According to California Vehicle Code 21950 (a): “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.”
We trust officials are looking into whether driver inattention, distraction or some other form of negligence caused or contributed to this tragic incident. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing was involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and loss of love and companionship.
An experienced Santa Ana personal injury lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway or intersection caused the accident. If that was the case the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held accountable. California Government Code Section 911.2 requires such claims against governmental agencies to be filed within 180 days of the incident.