Manuel Enos, 80, was killed in a San Francisco car accident after he was hit by a vehicle while walking in a marked crosswalk. According to a news report in the Contra Costa Times, Enos was in a crosswalk at the intersection of California Street and Franklin Avenue in Mountain View the night of July 19 when he was struck by a Toyota Corolla going west on California Street. The driver of the Toyota fled the scene. Investigators however located 46-year-old Keibun Son, identified her as the driver of the Corolla and arrested her on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. Police say alcohol or drugs were not factors. An investigation is ongoing.
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I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Manuel Enos for their devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 24 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Mountain View. In Santa Clara County as a whole, 22 people died and 466 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.
Car Accident Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that Keibun Son, the driver of the Toyota, failed to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian who was walking in a crosswalk. 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 this case, Son also fled the scene of an accident. Drivers are required under California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a) to stop and remain at the scene of an accident until authorities arrive. Drivers are also required to exchange important and pertinent information and administer aid to the injured victims. Motorists are required to stop at the scene immediately, irrespective of who was at fault for the accident. I trust officials are also looking into whether Son was distracted, speeding, inattentive, or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision.
Fault and Liability
In such cases, families of deceased car accident victims would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will examine all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable. In this case, if Son is determined to have been at fault, she could be held liable for Enos’ wrongful death. Family members can seek compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship and other related damages.
As a driver, what steps would you take to avoid vehicle versus pedestrian collisions, especially at street intersections?
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.