San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

EL CAJON -- CHP officials is investigating a devastating pedestrian accident on May 11th that killed a woman crossing Old Highway 80 in El Cajon. The woman, Laurie Susan Whitlow, 50, of El Cajon, was struck by an eastbound motorist around 9 p.m. while she was attempting to cross the 15141 block of Old Highway 80 on her wheelchair. The impact of the collision caused Whitlow to be thrown from her wheelchair and onto the roadway. Whitlow was reported to have died at the scene from her injuries.

The vehicle believed to be a dark colored sport utility vehicle, fled the scene of the accident. Authorities are asking anyone who has information regarding the fatal collision or the driver to contact them immediately.

Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident Liability

Based on information provided by news reports, it is not clear what prompted this Friday night accident. But, regardless of why this happened, no individual whether he or she is at fault or not at fault, should never leave the scene before the proper authorities arrive. According to the California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a): "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Hit-and-run accidents like this one, can pose complex legal issues in determining who should be held civilly and financially liable. Therefore, contacting an attorney can benefit the victim's family in understanding any legal concerns they may have and how to protect their legal rights in a wrongful death claim.

Taking Action in a Wrongful Death Claim

While the accident remains under the investigation by authorities, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to an experienced San Diego pedestrian accident lawyer. If the family decides to pursue a wrongful death claim, an Estey Bomberger attorney knowledgeable in hit-and-run accidents such as this one, can protect the family's legal rights, assist police in locating the driver involved in this tragedy, and determine the best way to recover compensation for their tragic and unexpected loss of a family member, funeral and burial expenses, loss of love, care, moral support, and companionship.

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A man riding a motorized wheelchair / scooter suffered a very serious head injury Christmas morning when he was struck by a driver who fled the scene, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. The accident happened on December 25, 2010, shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Paradise Valley Road near East 8th Street. The victim, a 57-year-old man who was not identified, was struck from behind by a burgundy pickup reportedly truck driven by Joshua Becerra, 22, of San Diego. According to the Union Tribune, Becerra stopped "only long enough to remove debris from beneath the truck, then sped off."

Becerra's uncle reportedly called police several hours later, and Becerra was subsequently arrested. The victim was taken to a hospital, where he was reportedly in serious condition.

Cause of the National City Accident

The incident remains under investigation. Based on the news reports, it appears that the driver of the pickup veered off the roadway and struck the man on the shoulder. There is no excuse for not stopping at the scene of an accident. - leaving the scene of the crash is against the law under California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a). Although it is fortunate that Becerra's family contacted police, it is disheartening that this young man left a man seriously injured in the roadway - on Christmas no less.

Hit-and-Run Accident Personal Injury Liability

After any accident resulting in serious injury, the family members of the injured victim would be well-advised to speak with a knowledgeable San Diego personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer who has represented numerous victims of hit-and-run accidents can advise the victim and his family of their best course of action to protect their rights following this accident, and help them hold the driver financially accountable for medical expenses, any lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

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A 61-year-old Escondido man died early Saturday morning, about six hours after he was struck by a Ford Ranger pickup truck while crossing the street, 10 News reported. The victim, Roger Emil Minx, 61, was crossing E. Valley Parkway near Fig Street in a motorized wheelchair when he was struck by the pickup truck. The accident occurred around 7:45 p.m. Minx was taken to Palomar Medical Center where he died around 2 a.m.

Cause of the Fatal Pedestrian Accident

The cause of the September 10th fatal Escondido pedestrian accident is under investigation by the Escondido Police Department. The agency is asking anyone with information about the crash to contact Officer David Zacchilli at (760) 839-4930. Based on the limited information in news reports, it is unclear what exactly happened in this accident. At this point, there are more questions than answers. How fast was the pickup truck travelling? Was Minx crossing the street in the intersection or near it? Who had the right of way? Was the driver of the pickup truck impaired? The North County Times reported that there were indications that the driver involved had been drinking or was otherwise impaired. However, other news outlets, including 10 News and Fox 5 said there was no indication that the driver was impaired.

Fatal Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

In situations such as this fatal September 10th accident in Escondido, where the cause of a fatal crash is unclear, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak with an knowledgeable San Diego wrongful death lawyer about the incident and the unique legal issues involved. If the driver of the pickup truck was responsible for this accident, he may be liable for the death of the pedestrian, including final medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, lost income or benefits of the decedent, and loss of love, care and companionship. An attorney who has handled dozens of fatal pedestrian accidents will be able to advise the victims family of their legal options should they wish to pursue a claim, and their best course of action to protect their rights.

Continue reading "Man Crossing Street Struck and Killed in Escondido " »