Elena Firme, 82, was killed in a San Diego car accident the evening of September 20, 2009 in National City, California, according to a 10news report. Firme was walking in a traffic lane for unknown reasons in the 800 block of Euclid Avenue when she was hit by a pickup truck pulling out of a business parking lot. Firme was transported to a local hospital where she died.
I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Elena Firme for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your prayers.
Pedestrian Accidents in Riverside County
According to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two fatalities and 22 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in National City, California. In San Diego County, 51 deaths and 1,068 injuries were reported in 2007 involving pedestrian accidents.
This news report does not give much information about why Elena Firme was on the road and why the driver of the pickup, who was pulling out of a business parking lot, did not see Firme. It seems to me, based on this account, that though the elderly woman was in the traffic lane at the time of the collision, she was attempting to cross the street. There are of course, many unanswered questions here. Was the driver impaired, distracted or negligent in any other way? Was there no crosswalk or sidewalk at that location or did some sort of an obstruction force Firme on to the traffic lane? It is possible she was jaywalking at the time, but we do not know that yet.
California Car Accident Liability Issues
If the driver of the pickup truck was negligent, then he/she should be held liable for Firme's fatal injuries. If the pickup truck driver was on-the-job at the time of this fatal accident, his or her employer could also be held liable. If this car-pedestrian accident was caused as a result of a dangerous condition on the public roadway, then the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. If a dangerous condition on a private property (the business' parking lot) led to this accident, then the private property owner could be held accountable as well. Any claim against a governmental agency in California must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
Injured victims or their families in these cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the case, identify the negligent parties involved and hold them financially responsible. Injured victims may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings and other damages. In addition, families of deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses 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 source for the facts 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, please contact us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. Most of the best law firms will provide accident victims a free consultation.
We cannot fully inform any party or family member about their rights, options or the economic viability of any claim for compensation without a full investigation and consultation. We will not be conducting an investigation into this matter unless we are retained by a party. We will provide a free, confidential consultation to any, not at fault, person named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
SLS Consulting