A man who was critically injured in a pedestrian accident in Oceanside has been identified by authorities as 53-year-old William Merrick. The North County Times reports that the accident occurred the night of September 15, 2010 at the intersection of Coast Highway and Civic Center Drive. Merrick was walking in a marked crosswalk at the intersection when he was struck by a 2006 Chrysler driven by Francisco Arreola, 20, that was trying to turn on to the highway. An investigation is ongoing.
I hope Merrick has not suffered catastrophic injuries as a result of this accident. I pray that he recovers quickly and completely from his injuries.
Car Accidents
There were seven fatalities and 722 injuries involving car accidents in Oceanside, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In San Diego County, 246 people died and 13,527 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
Laws and Compensation Issues
Motorists are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians walking in crosswalks under California Vehicle Code Section 21950. Drivers are required to slow down when they approach a marked or unmarked crosswalk and allow the pedestrian to cross safely. Based on this news report, it is not clear why the driver failed to stop or slow down as he approached the crosswalk. I trust officials are looking into whether Arreola was impaired, distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision. If he is determined to have been at fault, Arreola could be held liable for Merrick's serious injuries.
A skilled San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims about their legal rights and options in such cases. If a dangerous or defective roadway caused the accident, the city or governmental entity responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any such claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
In your opinion, what are some of the most unsafe crosswalks in your city or neighborhood?
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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