California Injury Blog
Pia Botz, 69, and her daughter Erica Botz, 31, were both killed in a West Hills pedestrian accident the night of April 11, 2016. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Roscoe Boulevard and Jason Avenue. Mother and daughter were walking with their black Labrador retriever in a marked crosswalk when a red Mitsubishi SUV heading west struck them.
The women were in a crosswalk trying to cross to the south side of the street. The daughter was pronounced dead at the scene while the mother was taken to a local hospital where she was also pronounced dead. The driver remained at the scene and is not being charged at this time. Officials do not believe speed was a factor in this incident. The investigation is ongoing.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members and friends of Pia and Erica Botz for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
LA Pedestrian Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 90 fatalities and 2,639 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles. Countywide, 211 people died and 4,721 were injured due to pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the fatal pedestrian accident occurred as the women were walking in a marked crosswalk. Under California Vehicle Code 21950 (a), motorists are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians who are walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks. In this particular case, it is unclear as to why the motorist did not stop for the pedestrians. Was the driver distracted or inattentive? Or did a dangerous roadway condition cause or contribute to the incident?
If the driver in this case is determined to have been at fault, he or she can be held liable for the victims’ wrongful death. A knowledgeable Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer can also help determine whether a dangerous roadway condition 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. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the incident.