Deanae Weatherall, 17, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident after she was struck by a car while walking on Outer Highway 18 in Apple Valley, California. According to a news report in the Victorville Daily Press, Deanae was walking along the roadway the evening of December 20, 2009, when the vehicle hit her. The female driver stayed at the scene of the crash. Deanae was airlifted to a regional hospital where she died from the injuries. San Bernardino County Sheriff's officials are saying alcohol or drugs were not involved, but an investigation is ongoing. Anyone who witnessed this fatal pedestrian accident is asked to call the sheriff's Apple Valley station at 760-240-7400.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of this teenager for their tragic loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. Please keep this grieving family in your prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one death and five injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Apple Valley, California. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 50 fatalities and 432 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2007. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 308 lives and injured 9,920 people during the same year.
What Caused this Accident?
This news report is not very clear on exactly how or why this fatal pedestrian collision occurred. There are still many questions here. Where exactly was Deanae walking on the highway at the time of the accident? Was she on the shoulder of the highway? Was the female driver distracted, driving recklessly or otherwise negligent at the time of the crash? Did the driver swerve outside her traffic lane? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to this fatal car accident? These are some of the questions that need to be answered in order to determine who or what caused this collision.
Liability Issues
Deanae Weatherall's family would be well-advised to consult with a reputed California personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record of holding negligent drivers accountable. If this accident was caused by the driver's negligence, then she could be held liable for Deanae's fatal injuries. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether other factors such as a dangerous or defective roadway caused this accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Any claim against a governmental agency in California must be properly filed within 180 days 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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