Lionel William Stanfield, 25, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident the night of November 9, 2009 after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing the road in Victorville, California. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, Stanfield was crossing the street near the intersection of Palmdale and Emerald roads when a Toyota Corolla struck him. San Bernardino Sheriff's Department officials identified the driver as a 52-year-old man. Stanfield was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident is under investigation.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Lionel William Stanfield for their tragic loss. I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this young man. Please keep Stanfield's family in your prayers.
San Bernardino Pedestrian Accidents
There were two fatalities and 22 injuries involving pedestrian accident cases in Victorville in 2007, according to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics for that year. Countywide, pedestrian accidents claimed 50 lives and injured 432 people in 2007. Also, in San Bernardino County, 308 deaths and 9,920 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same period.
This news report leaves many questions unanswered. Was Stanfield walking in a crosswalk (marked or unmarked)? Was he walking across traffic lanes? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, such as lack of adequate lighting, signage, stop light or crosswalk, which may have caused or contributed to this pedestrian accident? If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. Any claim against a governmental entity in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
Car Accident Laws in California
If Stanfield was walking in a crosswalk or at an intersection, the motorist should have stopped and yielded right-of-way to the pedestrian, in this case, Stanfield. 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."
An experienced California personal injury case lawyer can determine whether there was any negligence involved in such accident cases and also help victims and their families get fair compensation for their injuries, damages and loss. The best California personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive initial consultation to pedestrian accident victims and their families.
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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