California Injury Blog
Eloisa Aguilar, a 57-year-old woman, was killed in a Santa Ana car accident after she was hit by an out-of control vehicle while walking on the sidewalk. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred the night of September 1, 2010 in the 2600 block of Harbor Boulevard between Warner Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard. Witnesses say the 19-year-old driver was speeding south in a Toyota Scion on Harbor Boulevard and possibly ran a red light as he approached Warner.
He then lost control, skidded across traffic lanes and hit the curb before striking Aguilar who was walking on the sidewalk. She died at the scene. The teen driver was also injured and transported to a local hospital in serious condition. Officials are looking into whether the driver was under the influence, speeding, and if he ran the red light at the intersection. No charges have been filed pending an investigation.
I offer my deepest condolences to everybody who knew and loved Eloisa Aguilar for their heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. The article states that Aguilar was dressed in scrubs and may have been walking home from work. Tragic!
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 123 injuries as a result of pedestrian accidents in Santa Ana. In Orange County as a whole, 31 people died and 785 were injured due to pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Car Accident Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that this young driver may have violated a number of laws. Authorities suspect that he may have been under the influence, run a red light and was possibly speeding when he lost control and fatally struck Aguilar. Driving under the influence is a serious crime under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”
Wrongful Death Claim
The family of Eloisa Aguilar would be well-advised to contact an experienced Santa Ana personal injury lawyer, who will look into whether they have a wrongful death claim here. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of car accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.
What tips or suggestions would you offer pedestrians who are walking late at night? What are some of the signs or potential dangers they should look out for?
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.