A man was killed in a Santa Ana pedestrian accident the morning of Feb. 7 after a car struck him while he was crossing the street. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal crash occurred at the intersection of Bristol and First streets. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Based on the preliminary investigation, officials say the pedestrian was walking east across Bristol in the crosswalk.
The vehicle was headed north on Bristol when the collision occurred. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with the police. Investigators don’t believe alcohol or drugs played a part in this fatal crash. No arrests or citations were reported pending an official investigation.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members and friends of this deceased pedestrian for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2014 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were five fatalities and 140 injuries reported in the city of Santa Ana as a result of pedestrian accidents. In Orange County as a whole, 47 people died and 764 were injured due to pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the pedestrian was walking in a marked crosswalk when the car struck him. California Vehicle Code section 21950 states: “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.”
The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk “shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.”
In cases where the driver is found to have been negligent or careless, he or she may be held liable for the victim’s wrongful death. Families of the deceased victim may be able to seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim seeking damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and loss of love and companionship. An experienced Santa Ana personal injury lawyer will be able to provide victims and their families with more information about pursuing their legal rights.