Two teenaged girls suffered injuries in an El Monte car accident after a pickup truck went up the sidewalk and struck them, the afternoon of September 4, 2012. According to a news article in The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the injury crash occurred in the 3500 block of Durfee Drive. Police say the Ford F-150 pickup truck ran over the sidewalk and hit the girls. The teens were transported to an area hospital in stable condition. The nature or extent of their injuries is not known. No arrests were made. The investigation is ongoing.
My heart goes out to the two young girls who were injured in this collision. I sincerely hope their injuries are not serious and wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
LA County Pedestrian Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 37 were injured as a result of pedestrian collisions in El Monte. During the same year, 195 people died and 4,535 were injured due to Los Angeles County pedestrian accidents.
What Caused This Crash?
Based on this news report, it appears that the teens were legally on a sidewalk when the pickup truck jumped over the sidewalk and hit them. Under California law, it is illegal for motorists to drive on sidewalks. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21663: “No person shall operate or move a motor vehicle upon a sidewalk except as may be necessary to enter or leave an adjacent property.” I trust officials are looking into why the driver lost control of the pickup truck. Was the driver intoxicated, distracted, speeding or driving recklessly? Did he or she suffer a medical condition?
Fault and Liability
If the driver in this case is determined to have been negligent, he or she can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Pedestrian accident victims and their families would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firm will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.