A man was fatally injured in a San Francisco car accident after he was struck by a vehicle near the Grant Street on-ramp to the northbound State Route 242 in Concord. According to a CBS News report, the fatal pedestrian collision occurred the night of May 24, 2010. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he died the following morning. California Highway Patrol officials are investigating the cause of this accident.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this deceased accident victim for their profound loss. Please keep them in your prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were two fatalities and 36 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Concord, California. In Contra Costa County as a whole, pedestrian accidents claimed 13 lives and injured 241 people during the same year.
Right-of-Way Issues
Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why this fatal pedestrian accident occurred. There are several questions here. Was the pedestrian walking in a marked crosswalk or at an intersection? Where was he walking at the time? Who had the right-of-way on the road?
California law states that motorists should yield right-of-way to pedestrians walking in crosswalks or at intersections. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950: "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."
Fault and Liability
Families of deceased victims in such cases would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the case and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway or intersection caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any such claim against a governmental agency in California must be properly filed within 180 days of the incident.
What are some of the most dangerous roadways for pedestrians 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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