Jerome Anderson, 60, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after he was struck by a vehicle on the 10 Freeway in Alhambra. According to a news report in the Pasadena Star-News, Anderson was walking on the 10 Freeway early morning on June 17, 2010 when 27-year-old Jamie Mulford, driving a 2008 Toyota coupe, hit him. California Highway Patrol officials say Anderson was walking northbound on the freeway. Mulford was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol and another substance. Officials say Mulford was booked on suspicion of vehicular homicide because she had prior DUI convictions.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jerome Anderson for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four fatalities and 40 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Alhambra. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 214 people died and 4,985 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Drunk Driving Laws
It is illegal under California law to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, be it recreational or prescription. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle."
Based on this news report, it is not clear exactly why Anderson was walking in freeway lanes. However, I trust officials are looking into whether the collision occurred because of Mulford's impairment. It also appears that Mulford had prior DUI convictions, which led to the vehicular homicide charges.
Claim for Compensation
In cases where victims are killed as a result of a drunk driver's negligence, families of deceased victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options. Where there is negligence or wrongdoing involved, families of deceased car accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to inform victims' families how their own car insurance policy will apply to an incident involving an at-fault driver who is uninsured or underinsured.
What are some of the steps you take to avoid driving under the influence or get in an accident involving a drunk driver? We would like to hear your suggestions.
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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