California Injury Blog
Susan Jane Ely, 65, was killed in a San Diego car accident after she was hit by a vehicle near an intersection in Tierrasanta. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, Ely was crossing Tierrasanta Boulevard near Tambor Road, the morning of September 3, 2010, when a 2001 Chrysler sedan struck her. Officials say the driver stopped at the scene and called 911. Officials do not believe alcohol played a part in this crash. Ely was transported to a local hospital where she died shortly after the collision. An investigation is ongoing.
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I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Susan Jane Ely for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep her grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 23 fatalities and 533 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Diego. Countywide, 63 people died and 998 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.
If you saw this accident or have any information, please contact authorities or please visit our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com, to find out how you can leave an anonymous tip and become eligible for a $1,000 reward.
Crosswalk Law
Based on this news report, it is not quite clear whether Ely was walking in a crosswalk or at the intersection. If she was, then, the driver of the Dodge should have yielded right-of-way to the pedestrian. 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.”
Fault and Liability
If the driver is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable for Ely’s wrongful death. I trust officials are also looking into whether speed, distraction or any other form of negligence played a part in this tragic accident. Family members of deceased car accident victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.
What are some of the most dangerous intersections in your city for pedestrians?
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.