Dale Raymond Maggard, 55, has been identified as the pedestrian who was killed in a San Francisco car accident when he was hit walking across the street. According to a news report in the Times Herald, the accident occurred the night of October 18, 2009 in the 800 block of Sereno Drive in Vallejo, California. Maggard was struck by a 79-year-old male driver. He was apparently crossing near a supermarket where there was no designated crosswalk, police said. The driver has not been charged pending an investigation.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dale Raymond Maggard for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this man. Please keep them in your prayers.
Pedestrian Accidents in Contra Costa County
According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 11 fatalities and 243 injuries involving California pedestrian accidents in Contra Costa County. Also, during the same period, 65 deaths and 3,722 injuries were reported in the county as a result of car accidents.
Based on this newspaper report, it seems that Maggard was not in a crosswalk. However the circumstances of this accident are not clear. There are many questions here. Why did Maggard cross outside a crosswalk? Was there an unsafe condition on the road such as poor visibility and lighting? Was the driver impaired at the time? Was he distracted? Was he speeding or negligent in some other way? The answers to these questions will help determine who was at fault and who should be held liable for the accident and fatal injuries caused.
Pedestrian Accident Liability Issues
Maggard's family would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer who can help further investigate and determine what happened here and whether there was any negligence on the part of the motorist. If a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to this fatal accident, the city or governmental agency in charge of maintaining that roadway can also be held liable. Any claim against a California governmental entity must be properly filed within six months of the accident or injury. Where there is negligence or wrongdoing involved, families of deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical/funeral expenses, loss of wages, loss of love and companionship and other related damages.
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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