California Injury Blog
An 11-year-old girl was seriously injured in an Anaheim car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while riding a scooter on a residential street. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury collision occurred the evening of October 25, 2011 near the intersection of Olive and North streets. Anaheim police say a Jeep traveling west on North Street hit the girl, who was riding the scooter near the Sabina Street intersection. The child was transported to an area trauma center. No one has been cited or arrested pending an official investigation.
My heart goes out to this young girl who has been severely injured. I truly hope her injuries were not life-threatening and pray that she recovers quickly and completely. Please keep this child in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were eight fatalities and 101 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Anaheim. In Orange County as a whole, 41 people died and 864 were injured in pedestrian accidents, during the same year.
Laws Relating to Pedestrians
Based on the news report, it is not entirely clear as to how or why this terrible collision occurred. It is also not clear if the girl was in a crosswalk or at an intersection. Under California law, motorists are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
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.” In addition, drivers are also required to slow down in residential areas and in school zones where children are likely to be walking or playing. I trust officials are looking into whether alcohol, drugs, speed, distracted driving, or any other form of negligence caused or contributed to this incident.
Fault and Liability
If the driver of the Jeep is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims and their families would be well advised to contact an experienced Anaheim personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the legal rights and best interests of the victims are always protected.