Jarod Maxwell, 14, was fatally injured in a San Bernardino County car accident after a car struck him as he was on his way to school. According to a news report in The Victorville Daily Press, the pedestrian accident occurred the morning of September 13, 2012 along Baldy Mesa Road in Baldy Mesa. Maxwell was riding his skateboard in the northbound lane when a 2010 Chevrolet Traverse driven by a woman in the same direction hit him. Maxwell was not wearing a helmet and sustained major injuries. He died shortly after the crash at a local hospital. The investigation is ongoing.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family members and friends of Jarod Maxwell who are mourning the loss of their loved one. I offer my deepest condolences to this grieving family.
San Bernardino Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 10 fatalities and 55 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. During the same year, pedestrian collisions claimed 33 lives and caused 392 injuries countywide.
What Caused This Crash?
Based on this news article, the driver of the Chevy stated she was unable to see Maxwell due to a dip in the road. As the driver crested the top of the hill and started down into the valley, she was unable to see him and ended up striking him, CHP officials said in a release. The design of the roadway combined with darkness during the early morning hours may have led to this tragic collision, officials said. Investigators say alcohol or drugs are not believed to be factors in this incident.
Fault and Liability
If the driver is found to have been at fault here, then, in addition to facing citations, she can be held civilly liable for Maxwell’s wrongful death. If a dangerous roadway condition caused this crash, then, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the incident. An experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims’ families in such cases about their legal rights and options.