A 23-year-old man was fatally injured in an Anaheim car accident after he was hit by a vehicle while changing a tire on the northbound shoulder of the 57 Freeway. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the victim had pulled over to the shoulder of the freeway to change the tire early morning on August 29, 2010. California Highway Patrol officials say that was when another vehicle entering the 57 from the 91 Express lanes struck the man. The victim died at the scene. An investigation is ongoing.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this deceased victim. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one fatality and 73 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Anaheim. In Orange County as a whole, 31 people died and 785 were injured due to pedestrian accidents in 2008.
What Caused This Accident?
Based on this news report, it appears the driver of the other vehicle struck the pedestrian who was on the shoulder of the roadway changing a tire. There are several questions here that must be answered. Why did this driver fail to see the pedestrian in time and avoid the collision? Was the driver of the other vehicle intoxicated? Was the driver distracted for some reason? Was he or she speeding or driving recklessly? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway which may have caused or contributed to this accident? I trust officials are looking at these and other issues in order to determine what occurred here and why.
Fault and Liability
If the other driver is determined to have been at fault, he or she can be held not only criminally responsible, but also civilly liable for the victim's wrongful death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims could seek compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.
Families of victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Anaheim personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
What are some precautions you would take if your car stalls on the freeway or if you get a flat tire?
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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