California Injury Blog
A man from Newport Beach suffered catastrophic and fatal injuries when struck by a vehicle. Carlos Romo, 77, was fatally injured in a pedestrian accident after he was hit by a vehicle on the border between Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Romo was walking near the intersection of 17th Street and Irvine Avenue the night of Aug. 7 when he was struck, suffering major injuries.
Ongoing Investigation
He was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead an hour later. The driver who was involved in the crash was present when traffic investigators responded. Police don’t believe alcohol or drugs were factors in this collision. The investigation is ongoing.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of Carlos Romo for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your prayers.
California Pedestrian Laws
Based on this news report, it is unclear as to why this tragic collision occurred. Motorists are required under the law to yield the right of way to pedestrians who are walking 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.” The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk “shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.”
Liability Issues
If the driver is determined to have been negligent, he or she can be held financially responsible for the losses caused. Families of deceased crash victims can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, the victim’s pain and suffering, and loss of love, care, and companionship.
An experienced Orange County pedestrian accident lawyer will be able to stay on top of the official investigation and help ensure that victims’ and families’ legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway or intersection caused or contributed to the incident.
If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Such claims against governmental entities must be filed within 180 days of the incident under California Government Code Section 911.2
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2020/08/09/pedestrian-struck-and-killed-on-costa-mesa-newport-beach-border/