California Injury Blog
Laura White, 64, was killed in a pedestrian accident in Garden Grove on the morning of April 22 after she was struck by a pickup truck while crossing the street. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Valley View Street and Lampson Avenue. Police said the driver of a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado made a right turn heading east but ended up colliding with White.
Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene. The Chevy’s driver, a 39-year-old man, remained at the scene of the crash. Police said they evaluated the driver and did not find any signs of impairment. No arrests or citations were reported. The investigation to determine the cause of the collision is still ongoing.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of Laura White for their heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Laws Involving Pedestrians
Based on this news report, it appears that White was crossing the roadway at an intersection when she was struck and killed. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a), motorists are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians who are walking in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
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
In such cases, the at-fault driver can be held financially responsible for the victim’s injuries, damages and losses. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Families of deceased victims can seek compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit as well.
An experienced Garden Grove pedestrian accident attorney will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable Under California Government Code. Any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2020/04/22/woman-hit-and-killed-by-pickup-while-crossing-street-in-garden-grove/