A teenager who was killed in a San Francisco car accident the evening of January 27, 2010 has been identified as 15-year-old Michelle Cordova. The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports that the teenager was walking in a marked crosswalk when a vehicle driven by 22-year-old Orion Swank struck her. The fatal pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of West College Avenue and Link Lane in Santa Rosa. Michelle was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
Police do not suspect that Swank was speeding or under the influence at the time of the collision. Swank apparently told officials that he could not see Michelle and her cousin walking in the crosswalk through the darkened intersection. Her cousin was not hurt. But Michelle was thrown about 30 feet from where she was struck.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Michelle Cordova, who are obviously going through a very difficult time. Please keep this grieving family in your prayers.
Pedestrian Accidents
There were no fatalities, but 50 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Santa Rosa, according to California Highway Patrol's 2007 traffic accident statistics. Countywide, three people died and 111 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Crosswalk Law
California law requires motorists to yield right-of-way to pedestrians walking in crosswalks. 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."
Dangerous Roadways
Michelle Cordova's family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held responsible. Based on the article, this fatal accident may have been caused by a dangerous intersection that was not properly lit. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will be able to determine whether that was the case and assist the family with filing a claim against the entity responsible for maintaining that roadway. California Governmental Code section 911.2 requires that any claim against a governmental agency be filed within six months of the accident or injury.
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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