A man was killed in a Santa Ana car accident after a van struck him as he crossed the road. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on First Street in Santa Ana, the night of February 6, 2012. Officials say the man was walking outside of a crosswalk when the vehicle hit him. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The driver remained at the crash site and was not arrested. Officials say alcohol was not involved. They are still investigating the cause of this fatal pedestrian accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of the man who was killed in this car accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Orange County Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), pedestrian accidents in the city of Santa Ana caused seven fatalities and injured 145 people. Throughout Orange County, 41 people were killed and 864 were injured in pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Laws Relating to Pedestrians

Based on this news report, the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk or intersection at the time of the accident. 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.” The same section 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 pedestrian accident victim would be well advised to speak with an experienced Santa Ana personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and help protect their legal rights and best interests. In cases involving negligence or wrongdoing, the at-fault driver can be held liable for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost future wages, loss of companionship, and other related damages. A skilled car accident attorney can also help 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 be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Pedestrian Killed in Santa Ana Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Holly Barish-Sablich, 22, was killed in a Seal Beach car accident after being hit by an SUV while crossing the roadway. According to a news report in The Long Beach Press-Telegram, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on the Pacific Coast Highway north of Anderson Street in Seal Beach, the night of February 5, 2012. Officials say the victim was crossing the road outside of a crosswalk or controlled intersection when the vehicle struck her. She was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. It is not clear what caused the accident or if the driver will be cited for the collision.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Holly Barish-Sablich following this tragic car accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Orange County Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but six injuries reported as a result of Seal Beach pedestrian accidents. Countywide, there were 41 fatalities and 864 injuries reported due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Pedestrian Laws

Based on this news report, the victim was attempting to cross the road where there was no crosswalk. 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

In this particular case, if the driver of the SUV is determined to have been at fault, then, he or she can be held liable for the victim’s wrongful death. An experienced Seal Beach personal injury lawyer will be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to this accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Pedestrian Killed in Seal Beach Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Four people were injured in an Orange County car accident after an elderly driver lost control of her vehicle and crashed into a doughnut shop. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury collision occurred at 3744 E. Chapman Ave. in Orange on January 30, 2012. Police say the woman, who is in her 90s, accidentally stepped on the gas pedal of her Cadillac Northstar instead of the brake and accelerated. The Cadillac crashed into the patio of the doughnut shop, DK's Donuts, and struck three men. The men and the elderly driver were transported to area hospitals with unknown injuries.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this car accident. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Orange County Car Accidents

According to the California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), six fatalities and 725 injuries occurred involving car accidents in Orange. Countywide, 141 people died and 13,373 were injured as a result of car accidents, during the same year.

Causes and Compensation Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that the elderly driver of the Cadillac inadvertently stepped on the gas instead of the brakes and accelerated into the store. There are several questions here. Was the driver capable of driving at her age? Did she have a valid driver's license? Was she distracted by something or inattentive at the time? Was she somehow disoriented? I trust officials are looking into these factors and also evaluating the woman's ability to drive a vehicle.

If this accident is determined to have been the elderly driver's fault, then, she can be held liable for the injuries and damages sustained. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages and benefits, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to pedestrian accident victims and their families.

Elderly Driver Crashes into Orange County Doughnut Shop, Injures Three is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A 12-year-old girl was severely injured in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say was caused by a hit-and-run driver, the afternoon of January 27, 2012. According to a report in The Pasadena Star-News, the collision occurred at the intersection of Huntington Avenue and Canyon Boulevard in Monrovia, when the young victim was walking with some other children. A 1995 Infiniti J30 struck the girl and left the scene. The pedestrian was hospitalized in critical condition, but is said to be improving. Police arrested 23-year-old Emma Tapia-Gonzalez a few hours after the incident. She has been charged with felony hit-and-run and driving without a valid license. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the critically injured victim of this hit-and-run car accident. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep this girl and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 14 injuries reported as a result of Monrovia pedestrian accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 179 people died and 4,918 were injured due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of the Crash

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver hit the young girl and then fled the scene without even stopping to help the child. What kind of a person strikes and injures a child and leaves him or her lying on the roadway without care or medical attention? Appalling! Not only is leaving the scene of an injury accident an inhumane and irresponsible act, but it is also illegal.

California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Fault and Liability

I'm relieved to hear that this driver, who was also apparently driving without a license, was apprehended. In such cases, injured victims and their families can claim compensation from the at-fault driver for damages such as medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. A knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will better advise victims and their families about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

12-year-old Girl Injured in Monrovia Hit-and-Run Crash is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Eric Ford, 21, was killed in a Buena Park car accident when a vehicle struck him as he crossed the street. According to a news release made available on the Orange County Coroner's web site, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Beach Boulevard near Crescent Avenue in Buena Park, the afternoon of January 21, 2012. It is not clear how the accident occurred or who was at fault. Ford succumbed to his injuries on January 23, 2012. The news account does not specify if the driver was responsible for the crash.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Eric Ford for their terrible loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Orange County Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), Buena Park pedestrian accidents claimed the life of one person and injured 29 people. During that same year, 41 fatalities and 864 injuries occurred due to pedestrian accidents in Orange County.

What Caused This Fatal Crash?

The release provides no information regarding how the collision occurred. It appears that Ford was crossing the roadway near an intersection, but it not clear if he was actually in a crosswalk at the time. Under California law, motorists are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

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.” Drivers involved in pedestrian accidents because they fail to exercise due care may be held liable for their actions.

Liability Issues

The family of a victim killed in a pedestrian accident would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the ongoing investigation and ensure that their legal rights are protected. If it is determined in this accident that Ford was killed because of driver negligence, the at-fault motorist can be held responsible for his wrongful death. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to victims or their families.

Pedestrian Killed in Buena Park Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A woman was hospitalized in an Orange County car accident after a car struck her as she crossed the street in a crosswalk. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the pedestrian accident occurred at Richman and Baker avenues in Fullerton the morning of January 13, 2012. Officials have not released information regarding how or why the collision occurred, but said that the woman was hit by a Honda Civic whose driver remained at the scene. The pedestrian was found lying in the crosswalk near Woodcrest Elementary School. The nature and extent of the pedestrian's injuries is not known. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the woman who has been injured in this Orange County car accident. I wish her the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Orange County Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 63 were injured in Fullerton pedestrian accidents. During that same year, there were 41 fatalities and 864 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents throughout Orange County.

Crosswalk Law

Based on this news report, the woman was lying in the crosswalk when emergency crews arrived at the scene of the crash. If she was legally crossing the road in the crosswalk, it will have to be determined why the driver failed to properly yield the right-of-way.

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."

Liability Issues

Victims of pedestrian accidents would be well advised to contact a skilled Orange County personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights are protected. If it is determined that the driver failed to yield the right of way to the victim, then, the driver may be held liable for the injuries and damages caused here.

Some of the commenters to the Register article also say that the intersection where this accident occurred has four-way stop and that drivers often run through it without stopping or slowing down for pedestrians. If it is determined that a dangerous roadway or intersection caused this accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within six months of the incident.

Pedestrian Injured in Orange County Crosswalk Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Florence Wyatt, 81, was killed in a Riverside car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. According to a news report in The Desert Sun, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Sunrise Way at Sunny Dunes in Palm Springs, the night of January 14, 2012. Officials say Wyatt was crossing the road at the intersection when a Kia Soul hit her. Wyatt was transported to an area hospital where she died. The driver stopped at the scene of the crash and spoke with the authorities. It is unclear if the motorist will be cited for the fatal crash.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Florence Wyatt following this tragic pedestrian accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 21 were injured due to pedestrian accidents in the city of Palm Springs. During that same year, there were 39 fatalities and 370 injuries reported as a result of Riverside County pedestrian accidents.

Pedestrian Laws

Based on this news report, it is not clear if Wyatt was in a crosswalk, but it does appear that she was crossing the roadway at an intersection. 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."

Liability Issues

If it is determined that driver negligence was a contributing factor in this collision, the at-fault driver can be held liable for Wyatt’s wrongful death. In such cases, compensation may be available to the victim's family members for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost benefits, loss of inheritance, lost future wages, loss of companionship, and other related expenses. Victims' families would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Elderly Pedestrian Killed in Palm Springs Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A 17-year-old boy was killed in a San Diego car accident after being struck by a car as he crossed the street. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred in the 1200 block of Jamacha Road near Kendrick Way in El Cajon the evening of December 21, 2011. Officials say the teenager was crossing the road while carrying a skateboard when a Nissan Sentra hit him. The victim died at the scene. The 20-year-old driver remained at the crash site. It is unclear if the motorist will be charged in the fatal collision. El Cajon police say the skateboarder is the third pedestrian killed in the area just in the last few months.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family members and friends of this car accident victim. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

San Diego Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 52 were injured in pedestrian accidents in the city of El Cajon. During that same year, there were 57 fatalities and 937 injuries reported due to San Diego County pedestrian accidents.

Right-of-Way Issues

Based on this news account, it appears that the pedestrian was struck when he was crossing the street near the intersection. However, officials are still looking into whether he was in a crosswalk, or if he had the right of way. Under California law, motorists are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians walking in marked or unmarked 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."

Liability Issues

If the driver is determined to have been at fault here, he or she can be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. In such cases, victims' families would be well advised to contact a skilled San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, victims' families can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses and funeral costs.

Teenager Killed in San Diego Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Two pedestrians were critically injured in a Fullerton car accident after two vehicles struck them. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the major injury collision occurred during the early morning hours of December 21, 2011 on Harbor Boulevard between Commonwealth and Santa Fe avenues in the downtown area. Fullerton police say the pedestrians were first hit by a vehicle traveling northbound. The impact pushed them to the southbound lanes where they were struck by another vehicle. The victims were transported to an area trauma center in critical condition. The drivers of both vehicles stopped and cooperated with authorities. Officials are looking into whether alcohol played a part. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the two critically injured pedestrians. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents in Orange County

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 63 were injured due to pedestrian accidents in Fullerton. In Orange County as a whole, 41 fatalities and 864 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Crash?

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to how or why this collision occurred. There are still several unanswered questions here. Were the pedestrians walking in a marked crosswalk or did they step into traffic lanes? Did alcohol play a part? Was either of the vehicles that struck the pedestrians traveling at an unsafe rate of speed? Was either of the drivers distracted or inattentive? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to the incident?

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." The same section 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."

Fault and Liability

In such cases, the at-fault parties can be held liable for injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, and other related damages. Victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within six months of the incident.

Pedestrians Critically Injured in Orange County Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Charles Cervantes, 66, of Highland Park, was killed in a Pasadena car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing the road. According to a news report in the Pasadena Sun, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred the morning of December 7, 2011 near the intersection of Avenue 64 and Nithsdale Road. The driver of the vehicle was not injured. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Charles Cervantes who was killed in this tragic accident. According to his family members, Cervantes frequently walked in the La Loma and San Rafael areas. Please keep his grieving family members 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 93 injuries reported as a result of Pasadena pedestrian accidents. Los Angeles County pedestrian accidents claimed 179 lives and injured 4,918 people, during that same year.

California Pedestrian Laws

Based on this news report, it is not clear exactly how or why this fatal accident occurred. 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 of the vehicle code also states: "This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.”

Liability Issues

In such cases, if the driver of the vehicle is determined to have been at fault, then he or she could be held liable for the resulting injuries, damages and losses. The family of a deceased pedestrian accident victim would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims or their families.

Pedestrian Killed in Pasadena Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers