An Orange County car accident caused fatal injuries to an 80-year-old man as he was attempting to cross a roadway in Seal Beach. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred the morning of January 29, 2010 when the man was crossing at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Bolsa Avenue. He was struck by a vehicle and taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries.
I offer my heartfelt sympathies to this deceased victim’s family and friends. Please keep them in your prayers.
Pedestrian Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality and three injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Seal Beach. Countywide, 41 deaths and 782 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2007.
California Laws Involving Pedestrians
Based on this newspaper report, it is tough to tell exactly how and why this fatal pedestrian collision occurred. There are more questions than answers here at this point. But the most important question that could determine fault and liability in this case is: Who had right-of-way in this case — the pedestrian or motorist? In any type of vehicular accident, whether it involves drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists or bicyclists, right-of-way is one of the most contentious issues. However, in this case, I hope eyewitnesses can come forward to tell officials who had the right-of-way at the time of the collision.
Liability Issues
If the investigation determines that the driver of the vehicle failed to yield right-of-way to the pedestrian, the driver can be held liable for the accident and injuries caused. In such cases, families of deceased victims may be able to seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. Please remember that if the accident was caused by a dangerous or defective condition at the street intersection, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Such claims must be filed within six months of the accident or injury.
A reputed Orange County car accident lawyer will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families to better explain these and other complex issues involved in a car accident claim.
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.