California Injury Blog
William Merrick, 53, was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident, after he was struck by a vehicle while walking in a marked crosswalk the night of September 15, 2010. According to a news report in the North County Times, Merrick was crossing at the intersection of Coast Highway and Civic Center Drive when a 2006 Chrysler attempting to turn onto the highway hit him. Police do not believe alcohol was a factor. The driver, 20-year-old Francisco Arreola, has not yet been cited or arrested pending an official investigation.
My thoughts and prayers are with William Merrick who has suffered life-threatening injuries in this crash. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 59 were injured in Oceanside pedestrian accidents. During the same year, there were 63 fatalities and 998 injuries reported in San Diego County as a result of pedestrian accidents.
Crosswalk Law
California law requires motorists to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in marked 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 it is determined that the driver failed to properly yield the right-of-way, he may be held liable for the injuries sustained by Merrick in the collision. Injured victims in such cases could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, and other related damages. Victims would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.
In your opinion, what are some of the most unsafe crosswalks in your city or neighborhood?
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.