Christine Yan and Isabelle Zhang, both 24, were killed after being struck by a vehicle while walking in a marked crosswalk in Lakewood. According to a KTLA news report, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred the night of March 12. A statement issued by the city of Lakewood said Yan and Zhang were in a crosswalk on Bloomfield Avenue when they were struck by a vehicle that was driven by a woman in her 20s.
Ongoing Investigation
She was traveling with her husband and a young child in a car seat in the back, officials said. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with officials. Police say they are investigating what exactly caused the accident, including the potential for distractions or other errors.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Christine Yan and Isabelle Zhang for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Dangerous Intersection
In addition to the investigation, the city of Lakewood is also studying the circumstances of the incident and analyzing traffic patterns and the configuration of the roadway in an attempt to determine whether there were unsafe conditions on the roadway and to see if improvements can be made.
Neighbors in the area say that crosswalk is extremely dangerous for pedestrians and that they have been asking the city to do something about it for years. According to the city, there have been two accidents in the last five years at that intersection. A neighbor started a petition to make the city install a traffic signal or pedestrian warning device.
Liability Issues
In cases where negligence or wrongdoing may have been a factor, the at-fault driver can be held liable for the victims’ wrongful death. However, if a dangerous roadway condition caused the accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of the roadway can also be held financially responsible.
Victims’ families in such cases can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship. Wrongful death claims against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident, under California Government Code Section 911.2 An experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer will be able to advise families regarding their legal rights and options
Sources: https://ktla.com/news/its-just-heartbreaking-2-best-friends-struck-by-car-killed-in-lakewood-crosswalk/