Elderly Pedestrian Fatally Injured in Fountain Valley Parking Lot

Lavonne Perez, 85, was struck and fatally injured in a Fountain Valley parking lot. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the incident happened the afternoon of Nov. 21 in a lot at 18405 Brookhurst Street. Police say, the driver of a Lexus backed up into the pedestrian and then ran her over.

The 70-year-old driver remained at the scene and cooperated with the officials. Officials say neither alcohol nor drugs appear to have played a role in this fatal collision. Anyone who may have witnessed this collision is asked to contact the Fountain Valley Police Department’s traffic bureau at 714-593-4481.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family members of Lavonne Perez. We offer our deepest condolences to them.

Common Mistakes Drivers Make

Here are some of the common mistakes drivers make while backing up their vehicles:

Relying solely on mirrors: The view through your mirrors does not accurately convey the environment around your vehicle. It can also be difficult to judge distances correctly when you are looking at a reflected image. Drivers must always turn and look over their shoulders when backing up.
Looking backward the entire time: When drivers do this, they lose track of the positioning of their front tires. It is important to check in front when you are backing up into a tight spot with other vehicles and people around.
Reversing too quickly: It is easier to go too fast when you are backing up than it is driving forward. For this reason, it will rarely be necessary to use the accelerator. Always remember to cover the brake pedal with your right foot when you back up.
Reliance on parking assistance systems: Tools such as parking sensors and rear-view cameras can make parking your car less stressful and easier, but it is not a good idea to rely on them entirely. Parking systems can sometimes miss obscured hazards. Always turn and look over your shoulder for hazards.

Liability Issues

Drivers who are backing up their vehicles are required to use care and caution to make sure they are not running into people or other vehicles. According to California Vehicle Code 22106: “No person shall start a vehicle stopped, standing, or parked on a highway, nor shall any person back a vehicle on a highway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.”

If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver, it is important that you seek the counsel of an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer who will analyze all aspects of the incident and help ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your losses.

Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2020/11/22/85-year-old-pedestrian-struck-killed-in-fountain-valley-parking-lot/