Violet Fan, 81, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident November 17, 2009, after a car struck her. According to a report in the Pasadena Star News, Fan was crossing the street at San Gabriel Boulevard and Live Oak Street when she was hit by the vehicle. Fan was hospitalized with critical injuries. Authorities could not identify Fan or locate her family until she died the morning of November 20, 2009. The driver stopped at the scene of the crash and talked to San Gabriel police traffic investigators. He was not cited or arrested.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Violet Fan for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Fan. Please keep them in your prayers.
Los Angeles Pedestrian Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two deaths and 16 injuries involving San Gabriel pedestrian accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 210 deaths and 5,095 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents. Also countywide, car accidents claimed 712 lives and injured 56,475 people during the same year.
Based on this news report, it is not clear where exactly Fan was walking at the time of the crash. It seems to me that she may have been crossing at an intersection. The question in such accidents is usually who had the right-of-way at the time. If the driver of the car had the right-of-way, this accident very likely was not his fault.
Liability Issues in Car Accidents
However, if Fan was legally crossing at that intersection while she had the green light, then the driver could be held responsible for the accident and resulting injuries. I trust investigators are looking for additional eyewitnesses who may have seen exactly what occurred that day. If it was the motorist's fault, I'd be interested to know whether he was speeding or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision.
Violet Fan's family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of this tragic accident and help determine whether there was any negligence or wrongdoing involved. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition may have caused or contributed to this fatal pedestrian accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a California governmental agency must be properly 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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