A 96-year-old man sustained fatal injuries in a Los Angeles car accident as he crossed the street at a Lakewood intersection. According to a news report in The Press Telegram, the man was crossing the street at the intersection of Candlewood Street and Hayter Avenue on December 13, 2009, when a vehicle struck him. Police have not released the name of the victim or the driver. Anyone who saw this fatal pedestrian accident is asked to contact police at 562-623-3500.
I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this victim. Please keep them in your prayers.
Pedestrian and Car Accidents
There were 26 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Lakewood in 2007, according to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 210 people died and 5,095 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2007. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 712 lives and injured 56,475 people during the same year.
Car Accident Liability Issues and the Law
Based on this news report, it's not clear exactly how or why this fatal collision occurred. There are many questions here that remain unanswered. Was the elderly man crossing the street in a marked or unmarked crosswalk? The article states that he was crossing at an intersection. Was the driver of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian under the influence? Was the driver distracted, reckless, speeding or otherwise negligent at the time of the car accident? Did he fail to yield the right-of-way to this pedestrian?
California law states motorists should yield right-of-way to pedestrians who are walking at an intersection, whether in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. 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."
Contacting a Reputed Personal Injury Attorney
The victim's family in this case would be well-advised to consult with experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers, who will stay on top of the criminal investigation, make sure the family's rights are protected and that they receive just compensation for the damages and loss they have suffered. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to determine if a dangerous roadway or intersection caused this accident. If that was the case, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Any claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm 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.
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