A pedestrian accident on June 6, 2010 in the Midtown area of San Diego claimed the life of a 52-year-old man, The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. California Highway Patrol officials say the man was crossing an on-ramp to the 5 Freeway on West Washington Street when he was struck by a vehicle. The pedestrian died at the scene. No arrested have yet been made. An investigation is ongoing. Officials have not identified the victim.
My heart goes out to everybody who knew and loved this deceased accident victim. I offer my deepest sympathies to his grieving family. They will be in my prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
There were 81 deaths and 6,123 injuries involving car accidents in San Diego, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In San Diego County as a whole,
Pedestrian Laws
It is not clear from this news article whether the pedestrian was in a crosswalk. If that was the case, the driver of the vehicle could be at fault for failing to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian. 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.”
Claim for Compensation
In such cases families of deceased car accident victims would be well-advised to consult an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer who will explain their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway condition caused the accident. If that was the case the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. Any claim against a governmental entity in California must be properly filed within six months of the incident.
How can pedestrian crossings at on-ramps and off-ramps be made safer?
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.