Zhong Yi Cheng, 62, was fatally injured in a Los Angeles car accident after being hit by a car while crossing the street. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the pedestrian accident occurred on San Gabriel Boulevard near Sheffield Road, the night of April 28, 2012. Officials say Cheng was walking when 35-year-old Michael Munoz struck Cheng with his vehicle. Cheng suffered severe head injuries and died at the scene of the crash. Munoz has not been cited for the collision, but the investigation is ongoing.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Zhong Yi Cheng following this tragic pedestrian accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but three injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in San Marino. During that same year, there were 179 fatalities and 4,918 injuries reported as a result of Los Angeles County pedestrian accidents.
What Caused This Fatal Collision?
Based on this news article, it is not clear if the victim was walking in a crosswalk or near an intersection. California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: “Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard.” It also states: “The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway.”
Liability Issues
The family of a deceased car accident victim would be well advised to speak with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. If it is determined that the driver was not exercising due care at the time of the collision, then, financial compensation may be available to the victim’s family for lost future wages and benefits, medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related damages.
A knowledgeable accident attorney will be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident.
SLS Consulting