By Admin on February 14, 2012 -
February 13, 2012--San Jose, CA – Two women killed within twelve hours of each other mark the first and second pedestrian accident deaths of the year in San Jose. The second accident also marks the fourth traffic-related fatality of the year for the city.
In the first accident, an unidentified woman believed to be in her 40s was crossing Meridian Avenue about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday evening. A green 1990s Acura Legend, traveling northbound, struck the woman as she stood in the road. The driver stayed at the scene until police arrived and cooperated fully with the investigation. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene a few moments later by fire personnel.
In the second accident, a 77-year-old woman was crossing Oakland and Rock Avenue Tuesday morning when she was struck by a 1999 Green Honda Civic. Rescue personnel transported her to Regional Medical Center of San Jose, but doctors there pronounced her dead some time later. The driver of the Honda also stayed at the scene and cooperated fully with authorities.
It is unknown at this time whether alcohol was a factor in either pedestrian or driver actions in these accidents.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these two unfortunate women, and to the drivers who hit them.
Accident Statistics
In 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,092 pedestrians were killed by vehicles, and another 59,000 were injured. Older and younger pedestrians are more likely to be seriously injured or killed if hit by a car than young adults.
What Happened In This Accident
In both of these accidents, women were struck by vehicles, but it is impossible to say if there are any other similarities. Until autopsies are performed, no one will know if alcohol was a factor in the pedestrian’s actions in attempting to cross the roadway, nor will we know if the drivers were under the influence until all the facts of the investigation are released. At this time, authorities do not expect to find that alcohol was a factor for the drivers of the cars, but until testing is completed this remains speculative.
Liability Issues
Whether the drivers or the pedestrians were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, car drivers still bear the burden of responsibility when it comes to yielding the right-of-way to bicyclists and pedestrians. A good personal injury attorney should investigate the facts of this case to see why these drivers failed to yield to the pedestrians, and to assess the damages in each case.
SLS Consulting