A San Diego car accident resulted in serious injuries to a 49-year-old pedestrian who was walking across the street in Vista, California. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the SUV versus pedestrian collision occurred at the intersection of Santa Fe Avenue and Palmyra Drive on January 6, 2010 when a 37-year-old woman driving a Chevrolet Trailblazer south on Santa Fe hit the pedestrian. California Highway Patrol say the pedestrian may be have crossing improperly against the light. They do not believe drugs or alcohol was involved.
I hope and pray that this injured victim has a speedy and complete recovery from his serious injuries. I also hope he did not suffer major injuries as a result of this crash.
Pedestrian Accidents
There was one death and 27 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Vista in 2007, according to CHP's traffic accident statistics. Countywide, 51 people died and 1,068 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Causes and Liability Issues
If the details in this news report are accurate, the pedestrian was crossing at an intersection. 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." However, pedestrians also have a responsibility under the law to obey the rules of the road.
If this accident was the driver's fault, then she could be held liable here. If there was a dangerous condition on the roadway, which caused of contributed to this accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining this roadway could also be held liable. California Government Code states that such claims must be filed within six months of the accident or injury. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to help injured victims protect their legal rights and obtain fair compensation
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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