California Injury Blog
Madeline Mezger, 19, was seriously injured in a car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while walking with friends in San Luis Obispo. According to a news report, Mezger was walking across California Boulevard from the railroad tracks on February 21, 2010, when she had stopped in the middle of the street. A 2009 Nissan Cube driven by 21-year-old Anthony Micheal Colicchio struck her. The driver told police that Mezger was wearing black and that he did not see her in time to avoid the collision. Mezger was taken to a local hospital in serious condition. Officials do not believe Colicchio was under the influence of alcohol. An investigation is ongoing.
I hope Mezger’s injuries were not catastrophic and wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. She will be in my prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 23 injuries and no fatalities involving pedestrian accidents in San Luis Obispo. Countywide, one fatality and 69 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008. Also, in San Luis Obispo County as a whole, car accidents claimed the lives of 16 people and injured 1,168 during the same year.
Accident Causes and Liability Issues
If I were a member of Mezger’s family I would certainly want to find out more details about this serious injury collision. The article does not mention Mezger was under the influence. We do not know yet why she stopped in the middle of the street or if she did in fact stop due to an unsafe condition of the roadway. Where was she attempting to cross the street? Was the driver, Colicchio distracted, speeding or otherwise driving negligently? Hopefully, the official investigation will shed some light on exactly what occurred here.
In cases where negligence is involved, victims could seek compensation from the at-fault party to cover medical expenses, lost earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related expenses. If a dangerous roadway caused the accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Any claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. Victims or their families in such cases would be well-advised to consult an experienced California personal injury attorney to find out more information about their legal rights and options.
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.