Fatal California pedestrian accident launches investigation
A fatal accident in Escondido, California, left one pedestrian dead. The pedestrian was an 18-year-old resident of Escondido, and despite attempts made to save his life, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police were dispatched to the scene of the accident at 8:50 p.m. on Feb. 6.
According to an Escondido police lieutenant, the fatal pedestrian accident involved an 86-year-old female driver. The motorist was driving a 2008 Toyota Corolla when she struck the pedestrian, who was traveling northbound on San Pasquel Valley Road, according to the police lieutenant. It is not clear how fast the driver was going at the time of the accident, or whether the pedestrian was crossing the road at an intersection.
Police did not immediately say whether the driver was arrested or cited for the accident, but she did stay at the scene. It does not seem likely that alcohol was a factor in the accident, according to police. Police have asked anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has information about the crash to contact them. It is also unclear whether the driver will be charged in the death of the pedestrian.
Even if the driver does not face criminal charges, she may be held responsible for damages in a civil wrongful death lawsuit if it is determined that she acted negligently. A variety of factors goes into determining whether negligence was at play, including the pedestrian’s actions leading up to the accident as well as the driver’s mental and physical state, adherence to traffic laws and attempts to avoid the collision. An attorney who has experience with these types of matters can outline the procedures involved in filing a wrongful death lawsuit and can describe the types of damages that can be sought in such an action.