California Injury Blog
A 77-year-old man was fatally injured in a pedestrian accident in Thousand Oaks, which officials say was caused by a hit-and-run driver.
According to a KTLA news report, a police officer initially spotted the victim, who appeared to have collapsed in a marked crosswalk on Thousand Oaks Boulevard just west of Clay Court. The deputy later determined that the injured man had been with a group of individuals who were waiting to cross the boulevard on the night of June 7.
Ongoing Hit-and-Run Investigation
The man began crossing the roadway when struck by a white sedan. Investigators believe the sedan was traveling eastbound on Thousand Oaks Boulevard when it hit the elderly pedestrian. A witness told authorities that the driver stopped for a moment just past the crosswalk, but fled the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital and later died from his injuries. No description of the hit-and-run driver was available. Any witnesses to the collision are asked to contact Ventura County sheriff’s deputies at 805-947-8289. The investigation is ongoing.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of this deceased pedestrian accident victim. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver in this case failed to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk – which is required under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a). The law 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.” In addition, California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) requires motorists to stop and remain at the scene of an injury or fatal crash.
In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing may have been a factor, families of deceased pedestrian accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Ventura County personal injury lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.
A knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether dangerous roadway design may have caused or contributed to the accident. In such situations, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway may also be held accountable.
Source: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/man-77-killed-by-hit-and-run-driver-in-thousand-oaks-crosswalk/